Braised Cranberry Balsamic Chicken is a delicious, show-stopper dinner that doesn’t require a lot of work! Chicken breasts are seared until golden brown and then nestled into a decadent sauce of reduced balsamic vinegar, cranberries and fresh herbs. They come out tender and juicy as can be and loaded with flavor. Perfect for the holiday season or a weeknight meal!

This is one of those meals that just makes me so excited to share it! It’s packed full of flavor and can wow a crowd without a lot of fuss.

Let’s break it down:

First, you sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides. I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts becuase they are easy to eat and serve, but you could definitely use any chicken you like the most! Legs and thighs would still work perfectly. It’s ok if the chicken isn’t cooked all the way through after you sear them because they will be nestled back into the prepared sauce, covered with a lid and simmered until deliciously tender. 

Up next is the sauce. I could not get enough of this sauce! It’s hassle-free and has so much flavor that you will keep going back for more. Balsamic vinegar de-glazes the pan and then simmers together with cranberries, chicken stock, fresh rosemary and thyme and a little bit of sugar until thickened. The chicken is then nestled back into the sauce, covered with a lid and simmered until done. That’s it! How great is that? A one-pan meal that can be the main star of your holiday table, or serve as a delicious weeknight dinner. 

Watch the Recipe Video Below:

Finally, you get to eat and that’s the best part! I highly recommend serving this Braised Cranberry Balsamic Chicken on a bed of Asiago Herb Mashed Potatoes or Stovetop White Cheddar Mac n Cheese. The slight tanginess and decadence from the sauce pairs perfectly with a rich, hearty side dish such as potatoes or mac n cheese. It’s the perfect pair! You could even toss in some Garlic Almond Green Beans or Crispy Bacon Green Beans to make it a complete meal.

Leftovers of this Braised Cranberry Balsamic Chicken are on our menu for dinner tonight and we are both STOKED. John went as far to say that it’s one of his favorite chicken dishes that I’ve made! Grab the ingredients, heat up a skillet and get to cookin’! 🙂

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Thanks for following and cooking along with me!