Are you tired of boring, bland chicken dinners that leave you wanting more? Get ready to transform your weeknight cooking with this mouthwatering Maple Cranberry Chicken Breasts recipe that combines sweet, savory, and absolutely irresistible flavors! In just 40 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family begging for seconds and your Instagram followers drooling with envy.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Measure out 1/2 cup of maple syrup and 1/2 cup of dried cranberries. Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water and set aside. If you haven’t cooked the rice yet, prepare 2 cups of cooked rice according to package instructions and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step adds flavor and helps to lock in moisture.
- Once the chicken breasts are browned, pour the maple syrup over the chicken in the skillet. Add the dried cranberries on top of the chicken and syrup. The sweetness of the maple syrup and the tartness of the cranberries will create a delicious glaze.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The maple syrup will caramelize slightly, creating a lovely glaze.
- While the chicken is baking, steam the broccoli florets. You can do this by placing them in a pot with a small amount of water, covering with a lid, and cooking over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
- Once the chicken is done, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains moist.
- To serve, place a portion of cooked rice on each plate. Top the rice with a chicken breast, spooning some of the maple-cranberry sauce from the skillet over the chicken. Arrange the steamed broccoli on the side.
- Enjoy your Maple Cranberry Chicken Breasts with Rice and Broccoli, savoring the balance of sweet and savory flavors!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for food safety and juicy results.
- Syrup Selection: Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor - the real deal makes a significant difference in taste.
- Cranberry Pro Tip: If you want extra texture, lightly toast the dried cranberries in a dry pan before adding them to the dish to enhance their flavor.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can marinate the chicken in maple syrup for 2-4 hours before cooking to intensify the flavor.
- Broccoli Brilliance: Don't overcook your broccoli! Keep it bright green and tender-crisp for the best texture and nutritional value.
- Sauce Saving: If the maple sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out while maintaining flavor.
- Presentation Perfection: Spoon extra maple-cranberry sauce over the chicken when serving for an extra burst of flavor and beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 476kcal
Carbohydrates: 67g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 90mg
