Christmas Chicken Breast: 7 Steps to Holiday Enjoyment

Why Make This Recipe

Christmas Chicken Breast is a delightful dish perfect for holiday gatherings. Its rich flavors and beautiful presentation will impress your family and friends. The combination of garlic, fresh herbs, and cranberry sauce makes it festive and delicious. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, allowing you to focus on what truly matters during the holidays: spending time with loved ones.

How to Make Christmas Chicken Breast

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts – 4 pieces (about 600 g)
• Garlic – 3 cloves, finely chopped
• Rosemary – 2 sprigs, fresh
• Thyme – 2 sprigs, fresh
• Cranberry sauce – 200 g
• Orange zest – from 1 orange, grated
• Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
• Salt – to taste
• Pepper – to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken Breast: Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper.

2. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

3. Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach at least 75°C.

4. Add Garlic and Herbs: In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the chopped garlic, rosemary, and thyme to the chicken breasts. Stir well to mix the flavors.

5. Incorporate Cranberry Sauce and Orange Zest: Add the cranberry sauce and grated orange zest to the skillet. Mix everything well and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

6. Serve the Dish: Place the chicken breasts on a plate and drizzle with the cranberry sauce and fresh herbs for garnish.

7. Suggested Sides: This dish goes perfectly with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to complete your holiday meal.

How to Serve Christmas Chicken Breast

Serve the Christmas Chicken Breast hot from the skillet, ensuring each plate is garnished with the delicious cranberry sauce and fresh herbs. Pair it with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal that everyone will enjoy.

How to Store Christmas Chicken Breast

If you have any leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Tips to Make Christmas Chicken Breast

• Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken, as this can affect the cooking time and browning.
• For an extra flavor boost, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a couple of hours before cooking.
• Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs will work if fresh is not available.

Variation

You can switch up the cranberry sauce for a different fruit sauce, like orange or apple sauce, for a unique twist on this recipe. Adding sliced apples or pears to the pan while cooking can also enhance the flavors.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.

Q: What can I do if I don’t have fresh herbs?
A: You can use dried herbs in smaller amounts. About one-third of the quantity should suffice, as dried herbs are more potent.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and reheat them when you’re ready to serve. This can help save time on busy days.