Getting ready for the holiday season means preparing a festive and delicious meal that brings everyone together. Enter the Chicken Christmas Dinner – a hearty and comforting dish that combines flavors reminiscent of the season. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family gathering or a small holiday celebration with loved ones. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a memorable meal that will leave everyone feeling satisfied and merry. So, let’s get cooking!
Title: Chicken Christmas Dinner
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup cranberry sauce
– ½ cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a baking dish large enough to fit the chicken breasts.
2. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, dried rosemary, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavor-packed seasoning mixture.
3. Place the chicken breasts on a clean surface and season both sides generously with the prepared seasoning mixture.
4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. While the chicken is searing, in a separate saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, chicken broth, and balsamic vinegar. Stir well and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Pour half of the cranberry sauce mixture over the seared chicken breasts in the baking dish, making sure to coat them evenly.
7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
9. To serve, spoon the remaining cranberry sauce over the chicken breasts and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch.
Enjoy this Chicken Christmas Dinner with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete holiday meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The combination of juicy chicken, flavorful herbs, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your hearts this holiday season. Happy cooking and happy holidays!
