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Mediterranean Chicken with Cranberry Honey Sauce

Mediterranean Chicken with Cranberry Honey Sauce

Mediterranean Chicken with Cranberry Honey Sauce is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken infused with classic Mediterranean herbs and topped with a sweet-tart cranberry honey sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish combines vibrant colors, rich aromas, and a balanced blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that delight the palate while providing a nutritious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Season generously with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme on both sides to infuse the signature Mediterranean flavors.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken pieces and cook each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Make the Cranberry Honey Sauce: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the cranberries, honey, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing the cranberries to soften and the sauce to thicken.
  4. Combine and Cook Through: Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for another 8-10 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and fully infused with the luscious sauce flavors.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken and sauce before serving for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Notes

  • Use quality olive oil to enhance flavor and prevent sticking during cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if necessary for even browning.
  • Add fresh lemon juice at the end of cooking to maintain its bright, fresh flavor.
  • Simmer the sauce gently so cranberries burst properly and sauce thickens without burning.
  • Allow the chicken to rest in the sauce off heat for a few minutes to absorb maximum flavor before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, cranberry honey sauce, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken dish, gluten-free chicken recipe