One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken – Amazing One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Delight

One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken
– The aroma of One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken wafts through the kitchen, wrapping around you like a warm hug from your favorite aunt. Picture this: tender chicken breasts sizzling in a vibrant balsamic glaze, dancing with tart cranberries, and kissed by fragrant herbs. It’s a dish that promises to make your taste buds sing and your dinner guests swoon.

Every time I make this dish, I’m transported back to that one family gathering where my Aunt Judy attempted to impress everyone with her culinary skills. Spoiler alert: she burned the toast but miraculously created a masterpiece with chicken and cranberries. From that day on, I knew that mixing sweet and savory was my secret weapon in the kitchen. So why not bring a little of that magic into your home with this delightful One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken? Perfect for cozy weeknights, festive dinners, or when you need an excuse to show off your skills!

Ingredients for One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; they’ll add depth to your sauce.

For the Sauce:

• Balsamic Vinegar: This tangy gem is essential for creating that delicious glaze; opt for high-quality vinegar for richer flavor.
• Cranberry Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought; it adds sweetness and tartness that perfectly complements the chicken.
• Honey: A touch of honey enhances the flavors beautifully; feel free to adjust to your taste preferences.
• Fresh Rosemary: Use finely chopped rosemary to infuse herby goodness into your dish; it pairs wonderfully with balsamic flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken:

Step 1: Preheat Your Skillet

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it warms up, season those beautiful chicken breasts with salt and pepper like they’re about to win an award.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Add a splash of olive oil to the skillet. Once hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan. Sear them for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 3: Create Your Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, cranberry sauce, honey, and minced garlic until smooth. Pour this heavenly mixture over your seared chicken in the skillet.

Step 4: Simmer Away

Reduce heat to low and let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes. This will allow those flavors to meld together beautifully while enveloping each chicken breast in its sweet embrace.

Step 5: Add Fresh Herbs

Just before serving, sprinkle chopped rosemary over the dish like confetti at a party! Stir gently so every bite is infused with that aromatic flavor.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Transfer those juicy chicken breasts onto plates and drizzle generously with sauce from the skillet. Pair it with some steamed veggies or fluffy rice for a complete meal that looks as good as it tastes!

So there you have it—a delightful One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken that’s not only easy to whip up but also feels like a fancy restaurant dish at home! Whether it’s date night or family dinner time, this recipe will surely impress without keeping you chained to the stove all evening! Get ready for some happy taste buds!

Perfecting One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first until golden brown, then set it aside. In the same skillet, prepare your balsamic sauce with cranberries and aromatics while the chicken rests. Finally, return the chicken to finish cooking in that delightful sauce.

Add Your Touch to One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken

Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian twist! Add seasonal veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. A sprinkle of feta cheese can also elevate this dish to gourmet status.

Storing & Reheating One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.

When you’re searing your chicken, don’t overcrowd the pan; give each piece room to breathe and achieve that golden brown crust we all love.

Using high-quality balsamic vinegar will significantly enhance the dish’s flavor profile; trust me, your taste buds will thank you later!

Letting your chicken rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy bites every time.

I remember making this dish for my friends’ potluck, and they couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was! It turned into one of those moments where everyone wanted the recipe—and I felt like a rockstar chef!

FAQs About One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken

What is One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken?

One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a tangy balsamic glaze and sweet cranberries. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, as it cooks quickly in just one skillet, minimizing cleanup. The combination of the tart cranberries and the rich balsamic vinegar creates a delicious sauce that complements the chicken beautifully, making it a delicious choice for family dinners or entertaining guests.

How do I prepare One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken?

To prepare One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken, start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear them in a skillet until golden brown. Next, remove the chicken and sauté garlic before adding balsamic vinegar, honey, and cranberries to create the sauce. Return the chicken to the skillet, let it simmer until cooked through, and finish with fresh herbs for added flavor. Serve this dish over rice or greens for a complete meal.

Can I make One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can make One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken ahead of time. To do so, prepare the dish as directed but stop before reheating. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve it, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.

What sides pair well with One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken?

One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken pairs wonderfully with various sides. Consider serving it with steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans for a healthy option. Rice or quinoa also complements the dish well, soaking up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, serve it over mixed greens tossed with vinaigrette for an easy salad. These side dishes enhance your meal while keeping it balanced and satisfying.

Conclusion for One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken

In conclusion, One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken is an easy yet gourmet dish that brings together delightful flavors in one pan. It is perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions alike. With simple preparation steps and minimal cleanup required, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy this tasty chicken dish paired with your favorite sides for a fulfilling dining experience.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: platesdaily
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that brings tender chicken and tangy cranberry sauce together in one easy-to-make skillet, perfect for any night.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken: Add olive oil to the skillet. Once hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan and sear for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Create Your Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, cranberry sauce, honey, and minced garlic until smooth. Pour this mixture into the same skillet.
4. Simmer Away: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Add Chicken Back: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, coating it well with the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped rosemary over the dish and stir gently.
7. Serve It Up: Plate the juicy chicken breasts and drizzle with sauce from the skillet. Pair with steamed vegetables or rice.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (150g)
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 13g
• Sodium: 240mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 90mg