Crockpot Cranberry Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot Cranberry Chicken is a deliciously simple way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken with a tangy-sweet cranberry sauce. Perfect for busy days, it requires minimal prep and delivers comforting, impressive results.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (or chicken thighs)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (minced)
- 1.5 cups whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup orange juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce and orange juice until well combined.
- Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and season both sides with salt, pepper, and minced rosemary.
- Step 3: Pour the cranberry sauce mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on high for 2 to 2.5 hours, or on low for 3 to 3.5 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Step 5: Serve by removing the chicken and spooning the sauce over the top, or shred the chicken and mix it into the sauce before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat and richer flavor.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a deeper tang in the sauce.
- Include chopped onions or garlic for added aroma and complexity.
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of water or juice if needed to loosen the sauce.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken to ensure even cooking. Cooking frozen chicken in the slow cooker can increase the risk of uneven temperature and food safety concerns.
Can I make this recipe on the stove instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can simmer the chicken and cranberry sauce gently in a covered pan over low heat for about 30-40 minutes until cooked through, stirring occasionally.
PrintCrockpot Cranberry Chicken Recipe
A flavorful and easy Crockpot Cranberry Chicken dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a tangy cranberry and orange juice sauce, perfect for a simple weeknight meal or holiday dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 to 3.5 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (or chicken thighs)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced
Sauce
- 1.5 cups whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup orange juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole berry cranberry sauce and orange juice until well combined and smooth.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts evenly in the slow cooker. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and minced fresh rosemary to infuse flavor.
- Add Sauce to Chicken: Pour the cranberry and orange juice mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken, coating it thoroughly.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 to 2.5 hours or on low for 3 to 3.5 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and spoon the cranberry sauce mixture over the top. Alternatively, shred the chicken in the juices for a more mixed, saucy dish before serving.
Notes
- Using chicken thighs instead of breasts will give a juicier result with richer flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste before cooking, as cranberry sauce can be sweet.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce on the stovetop to reduce before serving.
- This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Keywords: cranberry chicken, crockpot chicken, slow cooker recipes, cranberry sauce chicken, easy chicken dinner
