Cranberry Autumn Chicken

Celebrate the flavors of fall with this irresistible Cranberry Autumn Chicken recipe, a perfect blend of sweet and savory. Succulent, golden-seared chicken breasts are simmered in a vibrant homemade cranberry sauce infused with earthy rosemary, thyme, and a hint of cinnamon. Tangy balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and fresh orange zest elevate the cranberries' natural tartness, creating a rich glaze that clings lovingly to the chicken. Ready in just 45 minutes, this one-skillet meal is ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color, and serve alongside roasted vegetables or fluffy mashed potatoes for a seasonal feast that’s both comforting and elegant. Perfect for autumn-inspired dinner ideas, this dish is a must-try for fans of bold flavors and wholesome, hearty meals.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Fresh rosemary
• 2 teaspoons Fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter
• 2 cups Fresh cranberries
• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons Pure maple syrup
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Orange zest
• 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Season the chicken breasts on both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.

Step 3

Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the fresh cranberries, chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and orange zest to the skillet. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the cranberry sauce. Spoon some sauce over the chicken to coat.

Step 6

Cover the skillet with a lid and let the chicken cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 7

Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and let them rest on a serving platter for 5 minutes.

Step 8

Increase the heat slightly to thicken the cranberry sauce, stirring frequently for around 3-5 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning, if needed.

Step 9

Serve the chicken topped with the cranberry sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1451.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1827.8

Total Fat 65.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 603.0mg	0%
Sodium 1673.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 83.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.0g	0%
Total Sugars 44.5g
Protein 219.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 184.9mg	0%
Iron 7.9mg	0%
Potassium 711.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.6%

Protein: 48.7%

Carbs: 18.6%