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Hot Fuzzy Cranberry Italian Chicken is a delightful dish that harmoniously combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries with the savory notes of Italian dressing. This recipe is perfect for those seeking a unique twist on traditional chicken meals, offering a burst of flavor that can elevate any dinner table.

Hot Fuzzy Cranberry Italian Chicken

A flavorful chicken dish marinated with Italian dressing and topped with sautéed cranberries and melted mozzarella.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4.0 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1.0 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1.0 cup Italian dressing
  • 1.0 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1.0 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1.0 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1.0 tablespoon fresh thyme
  • 1.0 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.0 to taste salt
  • 0.0 to taste pepper
  • 0.0 as needed fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Marinate the Chicken: In a large ziploc bag or a bowl, combine the Italian dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken breasts and ensure they are well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Sauté the Cranberries: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil and fresh cranberries. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the cranberries start to burst and soften. If using canned cranberry sauce, just warm it gently until heated through. Set aside.
  • Sear the Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, then season with salt and pepper. Sear each chicken breast in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  • Combine and Bake: Once the chicken is seared, spoon the sautéed cranberries over the top, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
  • Bake: Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and registers an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
  • Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot alongside a salad or over a bed of rice for a delightful meal.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spiciness.
Keyword baked, chicken, cranberry, Italian dressing