Ruby Chicken
Ruby Chicken features tender chicken cooked with vibrant cranberries, orange zest, and warm spices, offering a sweet and savory flavor profile perfect for festive or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle the quartered chicken with salt.
- Brown the chicken in butter or margarine in a skillet.
- Add chopped onion, cinnamon, ginger, grated orange rind, and orange juice to the skillet.
- Cover and simmer the mixture for 20 minutes.
- Add cranberries and chopped walnuts to the skillet.
- Sprinkle with sugar and simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until sauce thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the orange juice and spices for a few hours before cooking. If you don’t have walnuts, pecans or almonds can be a great substitute. Ensure the cranberries are fresh or use frozen ones if needed, as they will provide the best taste. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Ruby Chicken over a bed of rice or with mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. Pair it with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh salad for a complete meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with 1 Crust Apple Pie for dessert, making it a delightful dinner option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, ensuring it’s heated evenly without drying out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ruby Chicken contains roughly 946 calories, with 1g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 94g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1798mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of a whole broiler?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They will add extra flavor and remain juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through compared to a whole broiler.
What can I substitute for orange juice?
If you don’t have orange juice, you can use apple juice or even lemon juice for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that lemon juice is more tart, so you may want to adjust the sugar accordingly.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or a hearty vegetable like eggplant. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken juices for added flavor and ensure the cranberries and nuts are suitable for your dietary needs.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).