Sweet & Savory Cranberry Glazed Chicken Tenderloins
Tender, juicy chicken tenderloins are lightly seasoned, pan-seared until golden, then coated in a rich homemade cranberry glaze that’s perfectly balanced with sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. This easy one-pan dinner is elegant enough for holiday gatherings yet simple enough for busy weeknights. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a comforting meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
– 1½–2 pounds chicken tenderloins
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon dried thyme
– 2 tablespoons butter
For the Cranberry Glaze:
– 1 cup whole cranberry sauce or cranberry preserves
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– ½ teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
– Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish:
– Fresh parsley, chopped
– Orange zest (optional)
– Fresh cranberries (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and nearly cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
4. Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet.
5. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Stir in the cranberry sauce, honey, orange juice, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and rosemary. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the glaze over the tenderloins. Cook for another 3–5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, orange zest, and fresh cranberries if desired.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered rice, roasted sweet potatoes, or steamed green beans. Add warm dinner rolls or a crisp garden salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4–6
