Chicken Cranberry Bake
Chicken Cranberry Bake Recipe | Delicious & Easy Dinner Recipe
Introduction
This Chicken Cranberry Bake recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the savory flavors of chicken with the sweet and tangy taste of cranberries. It's the perfect meal for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
History
The combination of chicken and cranberries is a classic pairing that has been enjoyed for generations. This recipe puts a modern twist on this traditional flavor combination, creating a dish that is both comforting and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 3 whole chicken breasts
- 0.5 cup onion
- 1 tsp oil
- 1 cup catsup
- 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
- 0.5 tsp grated orange peel
- 1.5 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
How to prepare
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Grease a 13x9 inch (3 qt or 2.84 liter) baking dish. Place the chicken breast halves in the greased dish.
- Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 25 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a medium skillet over medium heat, cook and stir the onion in hot oil until tender.
- Add catsup, brown sugar, and orange peel; blend until the brown sugar is dissolved.
- Stir in the cranberries.
- Spoon the mixture over the partially baked chicken breasts.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
Variations
- Try using turkey breast instead of chicken for a different flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to grease the baking dish before adding the chicken to prevent sticking.
- Be sure to partially bake the chicken before adding the cranberry mixture to ensure that it cooks evenly.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar and orange peel to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Cranberry Bake pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
Cooking Techniques
Baking the chicken at a high temperature ensures that it cooks quickly and evenly.
- Cooking the cranberry mixture on the stovetop before adding it to the chicken helps to meld the flavors together.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have fresh cranberries, you can use dried cranberries instead.
- Feel free to use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the cranberry mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake the chicken.
Presentation Ideas
Serve this Chicken Cranberry Bake on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
This dish pairs well with a glass of white wine or a crisp apple cider.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
This recipe contains approximately 250 calories per serving.
Carbohydrates
This recipe contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Fats
This recipe contains approximately 5 grams of fat per serving.
Proteins
This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of protein per serving.
Vitamins and minerals
This recipe is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the cranberries.
Alergens
This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check the labels on your ingredients to ensure they are safe for your dietary needs.
Summary
This Chicken Cranberry Bake is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It's also a good source of vitamin C.
Summary
This Chicken Cranberry Bake is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, it's sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with excitement. It was a chilly autumn day and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for a cup of tea. As we chatted away, she suddenly got up and disappeared into the kitchen. Moments later, she emerged with a steaming hot casserole dish filled with a golden brown chicken cranberry bake. The aroma that wafted through the room was absolutely divine.
I couldn't help but ask Margaret for the recipe, as I had never tasted anything quite like it before. She smiled and told me that it was a family recipe that had been passed down through generations. She then proceeded to write it down for me on a piece of paper, and I eagerly tucked it away in my recipe box.
When I got home that evening, I couldn't wait to give the recipe a try. The combination of tender chicken, juicy cranberries, and savory herbs seemed like a match made in culinary heaven. I gathered all the ingredients and followed Margaret's instructions to a tee. As the dish baked in the oven, the house filled with the most tantalizing smells. When I finally took it out and served it up for dinner, my family was absolutely delighted.
From that day on, the chicken cranberry bake became a staple in our household. I made it for Sunday dinners, holiday gatherings, and any time I wanted to impress guests with a delicious and comforting meal. Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own touch with a sprinkle of toasted almonds on top or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
As I continued to perfect the recipe, I shared it with friends and neighbors who were always eager to taste my latest creation. Each time I made the chicken cranberry bake, it brought back memories of that fateful day at Margaret's house and the joy of discovering a new culinary treasure.
One day, as I was preparing the dish for a dinner party, my granddaughter Emily came into the kitchen and watched me with wide eyes. She asked me what I was making, and I told her all about the chicken cranberry bake and how it had become a beloved recipe in our family. Emily's face lit up with curiosity and she asked if she could help me make it.
I was overjoyed at the prospect of passing down this recipe to the next generation, so I gladly welcomed Emily into the kitchen. As we worked side by side, I showed her how to marinate the chicken, mix the cranberries with herbs and spices, and layer everything in the casserole dish. Emily was a quick learner and soon she was able to make the dish all on her own.
When we sat down to enjoy the meal together, I watched with pride as Emily took her first bite of the chicken cranberry bake. Her face lit up with delight and she exclaimed, "Grandma, this is amazing!" I couldn't help but smile, knowing that the tradition of this special recipe would continue on through the generations.
As the years passed, Emily grew up and moved away to start her own family. But whenever she came to visit, she always requested that I make the chicken cranberry bake for her. It became a ritual for us, a way to connect and bond over our shared love of cooking and good food.
Now, as I sit here with a pen in hand, writing down the story of how I learned to make the chicken cranberry bake, I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia and gratitude. This recipe has brought me so much joy and fulfillment over the years, and I am grateful to Margaret for introducing me to it all those years ago.
As I finish writing, I know that this recipe will continue to be a cherished part of our family's culinary legacy. And who knows, perhaps one day my granddaughter Emily will pass it down to her own children, keeping the tradition alive for generations to come.
Categories
| Chicken Recipes | Christmas Poultry | Cranberry Recipes | Ketchup Recipes |