🎄 A Festive Dinner for One That Isn’t Leftover Sandwiches (Yet)
Welcome to Day 2 of the Plan4One Recipe Advent Calendar — today we’re getting savoury, saucy, and just a little bit smug with how easy this recipe is. This One-Pan Christmas Chicken with Cranberry Glaze gives you all the festive flavours without needing to roast an entire bird and pretend you have eight guests arriving.
It’s quick.
It’s tasty.
It’s single-serve.
And it makes your kitchen smell like you actually planned dinner instead of panic-grabbing crackers and hummus at 8pm.
⭐ Ingredients (Serves 1)
- 1 small chicken thigh or breast
- 1 tbsp cranberry sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp olive oil
- 1 small sprig rosemary (or a pinch dried)
- Salt & pepper
- Optional: a squeeze of orange juice
- Optional sides: steamed greens, microwave rice, roast veggies
🍳 How to Make It
- Heat a small pan on medium with the olive oil.
- Season your chicken with salt, pepper, and a little rosemary.
- Sear both sides until golden (2–3 minutes).
- Mix cranberry sauce, mustard, soy sauce, and orange juice in a small bowl — that’s your glaze.
- Pour the glaze over the chicken and reduce heat.
- Simmer 6–8 minutes, flipping once, until the chicken is cooked and the glaze is sticky and glossy.
- Plate it up with greens, rice, or whatever you can throw together proudly.
🎄 Why It Works for Solo Cooks
Because sometimes you want a dish that feels like Christmas without committing to a roast the size of your torso. This one-pan wonder is low-effort, low-mess, and high-reward — the perfect ratio for December energy levels.
And if you do want leftovers? Double the recipe and enjoy tomorrow’s lunch with zero extra fuss.
💬 Christmas Card Message to Write to Your Single Friends
“Wishing you a Christmas full of joy, food, and the kind of peace that comes from not having to share your leftovers.”
🎁 Tiny Tips
- Swap chicken for tofu or halloumi — both love this glaze.
- Use raspberry jam if you’re out of cranberry sauce (don’t tell the traditionalists).
- Add a sprinkle of toasted almonds for crunch.
Remember to check in tomorrow for the next instalment in your Plan4One Recipe Advent Calendar.
