Tired of the same old turkey and stuffing leftovers? Let's transform that leftover cranberry sauce into something truly delicious and unexpected! This savory cranberry chicken recipe is a quick, easy, and healthy meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch. It's a fantastic way to use up those leftover cranberries and create a dish that's both familiar and exciting. Get ready to experience the magic of repurposing your holiday leftovers!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup leftover cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
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Sauté the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Make the cranberry sauce reduction: In the same skillet, add the leftover cranberry sauce and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the Dijon mustard.
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Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Coat them evenly with the cranberry sauce mixture. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
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Serve and enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. This delicious dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a simple side salad for a complete and healthy meal.
Tips for the Best Savory Cranberry Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When sautéing the chicken, ensure there's enough space in the pan to allow for even browning. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
- Adjust the sweetness: If your cranberry sauce is very tart, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the sauce to balance the flavors. Conversely, a touch of balsamic vinegar could add depth to a sweeter cranberry sauce.
- Add some heat: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Variations:
- Cranberry Chicken Tacos: Shred the cooked chicken and use it as a filling for tacos. Top with your favorite taco toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado.
- Cranberry Chicken Salad: Shred the cooked chicken and mix it with the cranberry sauce, mayonnaise, celery, and walnuts for a delicious and unique chicken salad.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a healthy and balanced meal, offering a good source of lean protein from the chicken and antioxidants from the cranberries. The nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator app or website.
This easy and delicious recipe is a fantastic example of transforming simple leftovers into a completely new and exciting meal. It’s quick, healthy, and perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner on the table fast. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish!