Imagine a restaurant-quality meal that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a culinary masterpiece with minimal effort. This Roasted Chicken Breasts with Cranberry Port Sauce is your ticket to an elegant dinner that looks and tastes like it was crafted by a professional chef. The perfect balance of savory chicken, crispy skin, and a luxurious sweet-tangy sauce will have your family and friends begging for seconds – and your secret cooking technique!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup port wine
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin and even cooking.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the chicken to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet with chicken breasts directly into the preheated oven. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- While the chicken is roasting, prepare the cranberry port sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberry juice, port wine, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.
- Simmer the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reduces and thickens to a syrupy consistency, approximately 12-15 minutes.
- Remove chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-7 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, which helps keep the meat moist.
- Slice the chicken breasts and drizzle with the warm cranberry port sauce before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Always pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear and crispy exterior.
- Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and more consistent cooking.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to minimize dish washing and allow for seamless transition from stovetop to oven.
- Invest in a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken every time – 165°F is the magic internal temperature for food safety.
- Allow the chicken to rest after cooking for 5-7 minutes, which helps retain moisture and makes the meat more tender and juicy.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce or as a garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 483kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 51g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 165mg
