Cranberry BBQ Chicken Skillet: Easy One-Pan Dinner Idea

Weeknight dinners can often feel like a race against the clock, but this Cranberry BBQ Chicken Skillet is here to make mealtime both delicious and delightfully simple.

Imagine tender chicken pieces coated in a vibrant, sweet-and-tangy cranberry orange glaze, all cooked together in just one pan. It’s a flavorful solution for busy evenings that the whole family will love.

This recipe delivers on both taste and convenience, offering a fantastic balance of savory chicken with bright, fruity notes. The best part? The minimal cleanup means you can spend less time scrubbing pots and more time enjoying your meal and your family.

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What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This Cranberry BBQ Chicken Skillet is a true weeknight hero, perfect for anyone looking for a flavorful meal without a lot of fuss. It’s ideal for busy parents, individuals, or couples who want a homemade dinner that comes together quickly and cleans up even faster. The combination of savory chicken with a sweet and tangy cranberry orange glaze is universally appealing, making it a hit even with picky eaters. You can serve this dish any night of the week when you need a comforting yet vibrant meal. It’s especially wonderful when you want something a little different from your usual rotation but don’t have extra time for complicated preparations.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this Cranberry BBQ Chicken Skillet is straightforward, focusing on pantry staples and fresh chicken. You won’t need any exotic items, making this a budget-friendly and accessible meal.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (jelled or whole berry)
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Optional: Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish

For the cranberry sauce, either jelled or whole berry will work beautifully. If you prefer a smoother glaze, jelled cranberry sauce is a good choice. For a bit more texture and a rustic feel, whole berry cranberry sauce is excellent. When selecting BBQ sauce, choose your favorite brand; a classic sweet and smoky variety works best here. You can easily substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer, just ensure they are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for speed and efficiency, making it perfect for those evenings when time is of the essence.

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this delicious Cranberry BBQ Chicken Skillet is a breeze with these simple steps. Pay attention to the visual cues to ensure perfect results every time.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better. Season the chicken evenly with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the Skillet: Place a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron or heavy-bottomed stainless steel works well) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer, indicating it’s hot enough.
3. Sear the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken cubes to the hot skillet in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, but not necessarily cooked through. The goal is to develop a nice crust.
4. Create the Glaze: While the chicken is searing, whisk together the cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, orange juice, orange zest, and apple cider vinegar in a medium bowl until well combined.
5. Combine and Simmer: Once all the chicken is seared, return it all to the skillet. Pour the cranberry orange glaze over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
6. Cook Until Done: Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve with Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat. If desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or chives before serving.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This Cranberry BBQ Chicken Skillet is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can reduce the amount of apple cider vinegar slightly if they are sensitive to tanginess, or add a touch more brown sugar to the glaze for extra sweetness.

For serving, this dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Steamed white or brown rice is an excellent choice, as it soaks up the delicious glaze. Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes also make a comforting accompaniment. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, or some roasted broccoli or green beans. You can also turn this into a heartier meal by adding some chopped bell peppers or onions to the skillet along with the chicken during the searing stage. For a buffet or party, you could serve this with toothpicks as a delicious appetizer, or keep it warm in a slow cooker for guests to serve themselves. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts can add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor if you’re looking for an optional topping.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have small pitfalls. Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for when making your Cranberry BBQ Chicken Skillet:

• Overcrowding the Skillet: Adding too much chicken to the pan at once lowers the temperature, causing the chicken to steam instead of sear. This results in pale, less flavorful chicken. Cook the chicken in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough to accommodate it in a single layer.
• Not Patting Chicken Dry: Moisture on the surface of the chicken prevents it from browning properly. Always pat the chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning and searing.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can become dry and tough if cooked for too long. Simmer just until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
• Not Stirring the Glaze: While simmering, the glaze can sometimes stick to the bottom of the pan, especially if it’s thick. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even coating of the chicken.
• Ignoring Skillet Size: Using too small a skillet can lead to overcrowding and uneven cooking. A large, oven-safe skillet (10-12 inches) is ideal for this recipe.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This Cranberry BBQ Chicken Skillet is fantastic for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers. To store, allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

When reheating, you can warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, stirring halfway. For larger portions, gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce appears too thick. Avoid reheating at high temperatures for too long, as this can dry out the chicken.

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the glaze ahead of time. Mix all the glaze ingredients and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This saves a few minutes on cooking day and makes assembly even faster.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can, but make sure they are fully thawed before cutting and cooking. Pat them very dry to ensure good searing.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

Any sweet and smoky BBQ sauce you enjoy will work well. Avoid very spicy or vinegar-heavy sauces if you want the cranberry and orange flavors to shine.

Can I make this spicier?

Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a subtle kick, or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided your BBQ sauce and cranberry sauce do not contain gluten. Always check ingredient labels if you have dietary restrictions.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned sauce?

While possible, it would require a different preparation method to cook down the cranberries into a sauce. For this quick recipe, canned cranberry sauce is recommended for convenience and consistency.

What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?

You can substitute with white wine vinegar or even a little extra orange juice, though the apple cider vinegar adds a nice depth of flavor.

Can I bake this instead of cooking on the stovetop?

Yes, after searing the chicken and adding the glaze, you can transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.