cranberry chicken slow cooker recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
cranberry chicken slow cooker recipe
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The Best cranberry chicken slow cooker recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite cranberry chicken slow cooker recipe. I first discovered this dish on a cold winter morning while browsing through a food blog, and it instantly caught my attention. The combination of tender chicken, sweet and tangy cranberries, and the ease of preparation in a slow cooker had me hooked from the start.

As a busy mom of two, I appreciate any recipe that can be prepared ahead of time and still deliver on flavor and texture. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various ingredients and techniques to perfect this recipe. From adjusting the amount of cranberries to adding different spices, I’ve found that this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit any taste or dietary preference.

My family loves it when I serve this dish at family gatherings or for special occasions, but it’s also become a staple in our daily meals. One of the things I love most about this recipe is the health benefits it provides. The chicken is cooked to perfection, making it tender and juicy, while the cranberries add a burst of antioxidants and fiber.

This dish is perfect for those looking for a comforting meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. In addition to its many benefits, this recipe is also incredibly easy to make. Simply place all the ingredients in a slow cooker, set it to cook for several hours, and voilà!

You’ll have a mouth-watering meal ready to be devoured by your loved ones.

Cranberry Chicken Slow Cooker

Cranberry Chicken Slow Cooker

4.8 from 1497 votes

This slow cooker cranberry chicken combines tender chicken thighs with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce. The dish is simple to prepare and yields a flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time4 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 10 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce

1 can (14 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

👨‍🍳Directions

1Season the chicken thighs evenly with salt and pepper.
2Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3Sear the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to the slow cooker.
4In a mixing bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes.
5Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
6Pour the cranberry mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring all pieces are coated.
7Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
8Using tongs, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a serving platter.
9Spoon some of the sauce over the top and serve immediately with rice or mashed potatoes.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (4 to 6 quart)
Skillet
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowl
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 140mg🧂Sodium: 480mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 28g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Cranberry Chicken Slow Cooker Works

This cranberry chicken slow cooker recipe has become a staple in our household over the years. It’s perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family.

The leftovers are just as delicious when reheated, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or potlucks. To store any leftover dish, simply let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheat as needed by placing the container in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Chicken Slow Cooker

Q: What type of chicken is best suited for this recipe?

The best type of chicken for this recipe is boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can use either one or a combination of both.

Q: Can I use fresh or frozen cranberries?

Both fresh and frozen cranberries work well in this recipe. If using frozen cranberries, make sure to thaw them first before adding them to the slow cooker.

Q: How long does it take to cook the chicken in the slow cooker?

The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. As a general rule, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Q: Can I add other ingredients like onions or garlic?

Yes, you can definitely add other ingredients like chopped onions or minced garlic to enhance the flavor of the dish.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or seasonings.

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