Orange Cranberry Roasted Balsamic Chicken
- Suitable for diets:
- Gluten Free
- High-Protein
Why Diabetes Friendly?
Lean Protein:
Chicken breasts provide lean protein, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels and supports overall health.
Low-Glycemic Cranberries:
Cranberries have a low glycemic index, meaning they have a minimal impact on blood sugar levels.
Limited Saturated Fat:
Choosing skinless, boneless chicken breasts helps control saturated fat intake, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health, especially for those with diabetes.
Ingredients
Marinade
- cranberries (fresh or frozen and thawed) ½ cup
- balsamic vinegar ¼ cup
- olive oil 2 tbsp
- garlic (minced) 2 cloves
- thyme (dried ) 1 tsp
- onion powder 1 tsp
- orange (zest) 2 tsp
- orange (juice) 1 tbsp
- chicken (breasts) 4
- onion (sliced) 1
- garlic (peeled) 5 clove
- thyme 8 sprigs
- orange (sliced) ½
Cooking Tips
Marinate for Flavor:
Allow the chicken breasts to marinate in the cranberry balsamic mixture for at least 30 minutes to infuse them with flavor.
Choose Lean Chicken Breasts:
Opt for skinless, boneless chicken breasts to keep the dish leaner. This helps control saturated fat intake.
Properly Preheat Oven:
Ensure the oven is preheated before roasting the chicken for even cooking and a nicely browned exterior.
Baste During Roasting:
Baste the chicken breasts with the cranberry balsamic mixture during roasting to keep them moist and flavorful.
Use a Meat Thermometer:
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach at least 165°F (74°C).
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine cranberries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, thyme, onion powder, orange zest, orange juice, salt, and pepper. Blend the ingredients until smooth and well-combined.½ cup cranberries, ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp orange, 1 tbsp orange
- Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-lock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the cranberry balsamic marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.4 chicken
- Refrigerate the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. For a deeper flavor, you can marinate it for several hours or even overnight.
- While the chicken is marinating, preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Add the marinated chicken to a prepared baking sheet and pour any leftover marinade on top.
- Arrange the sliced onion, garlic cloves, thyme sprigs, and orange slices on top of and around the chicken.1 onion, 5 clove garlic, 8 sprigs thyme, ½ orange
- Cover the chicken with aluminum foil and place in the oven, cooking for 25-30 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165F (74C). If you are using chicken breasts with the bone-in, cook for 40-45 minutes.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove from the oven and serve with your favourite side dishes.
Notes
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries?
While fresh cranberries are recommended for this recipe, you can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones are not available. Thaw and pat them dry before using.
What can I serve it with?
Serve the cranberry balsamic roasted chicken breasts with sides like roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, you can use bone-in, skinless chicken breasts or other cuts like thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
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