Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Skillet Recipe
This Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Skillet offers a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors, featuring tender chicken breasts coated in herbs and flour, then seared and baked with a tangy balsamic cranberry sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Cranberry Sauce
- 1 and 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly season both sides of each chicken breast with kosher salt, black pepper, fresh or dried thyme, and rosemary. Place the flour in a shallow bowl and dredge each chicken breast in the flour, coating lightly. Set aside.
- Make the cranberry sauce: In a small bowl, combine the fresh cranberries, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Stir until the sugar begins to dissolve and the mixture is well combined. Set this aside for later.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a cast-iron or any oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the floured chicken breasts. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side to develop a golden crust, making sure they are not cooked through yet. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Add cranberry sauce: Pour the prepared cranberry mixture evenly over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet, making sure to include all the sugar and juices from the bowl.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the cranberries should be tender and wrinkled.
- Serve: Remove from oven and optionally garnish with extra sprigs of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Using fresh herbs will provide a fresher flavor, but dried herbs can be used as substitutes.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken while searing; it should only develop a crust and finish cooking in the oven.
- If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, use any oven-safe skillet for searing and baking.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar according to your taste.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a light green salad for a complete meal.
