Baked Balsamic Cranberry Chicken

Top view of a skillet with 4 cooked chicken breast in a cranberry sauce.

5 from 2 votes

Balsamic Cranberry Roasted Chicken is a festive and delicious dish that's perfect this time of year! With hints of bright orange juice and zest, tart cranberries and warm spices, your whole family will enjoy the complex flavor of this very simple recipe! Serve it with your favorite seasonal sides for a comforting meal.

Prep Time10

Cook Time45

Marinating time1

Total Time1 55

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings: servings

Author: Rena

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Kosher salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or to taste
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp maple syrup divided
2 tbsp olive oil divided
1 red onion finely diced
1 cup cranberries fresh or frozen
1 medium orange juice, and zest of
Optional: freshly chopped parsley

Instructions

Rub the chicken with salt, pepper, cinnamon, garlic powder, and cayenne. Drizzle with the balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Rub very well to coat on all sides, then cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 370ºF. Heat the remaining tbsp of oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, just until golden, then set aside.
Sauté the onion for 4-5 minutes, then add the cranberries, 1 tbsp maple syrup, juice, and zest of your orange. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the sauce starts to develop and meld.
Return the chicken back to the skillet and into the sauce. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the inside temperature reaches 165ºF. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.

Notes

Storage recommendations

- Refrigerate: When everything has cooled completely, transfer it into an airtight container. It can be stored for up to 3 to 4 days in the fridge.

- Freeze: Once the chicken and sauce are cool, freeze leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months.

- Reheat: Let the dish thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Set oven to 350°F and place chicken and sauce in a baking dish. Warm the chicken to the desired temperature. You could also heat individual servings in a microwave.

Nutrition