chicken and cranberry crock pot recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
chicken and cranberry crock pot recipe
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The Best chicken and cranberry crock pot recipe

I have to say, I’m absolutely in love with this chicken and cranberry crock pot recipe. It’s become a staple in our household, and I make it at least once a week. The combination of tender chicken, sweet cranberries, and the rich flavor of the sauce is just perfect.

My family loves it when I serve it over rice or with some crusty bread on the side. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make.

Just throw all the ingredients into your crock pot in the morning, and come home to a delicious, home-cooked meal that’s ready to be devoured. The health benefits of this recipe are also a big plus – the chicken is lean protein, and the cranberries are packed with antioxidants. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!

The other day, my kids were begging for seconds (and even thirds!) which is always a good sign that we’ve got a winner on our hands. And let me tell you, this recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special holiday gathering.

I’ve even served it at potlucks and everyone has raved about it. So if you’re looking for a new recipe to try out, look no further! This one is sure to become a favorite in your household just like it has in mine.

Cranberry Chicken Slow Cooker

Cranberry Chicken Slow Cooker

4.6 from 1843 votes

Tender chicken breasts simmered in a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce. This easy crock pot meal is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

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

🥘Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped
Orange zest

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2In a small bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
3Pour the cranberry mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
4Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5Using tongs, carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes.
6Shred the chicken with two forks or slice it into thick pieces, then return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir gently to coat with the sauce.
7Serve the cranberry chicken over rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes.
8Garnish with fresh parsley and orange zest if desired.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (4-6 quart)
Measuring cups and spoons
Small bowl
Whisk
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 4g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 100mg🧂Sodium: 480mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 32g🥩Protein: 35g

📝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. You can also use frozen cranberries instead of canned sauce; increase the brown sugar to 1/3 cup and add 1/4 cup orange juice.

Watch Video Of How Cranberry Chicken Slow Cooker Works

This chicken and cranberry crock pot recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special holiday gathering. It’s easy to make, delicious to eat, and packed with health benefits that will keep you coming back for more.

Try serving it over rice or with some crusty bread on the side for added flavor and texture. You can also store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months – perfect for meal prep!

When reheating, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat in the microwave until hot and steaming.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Chicken Slow Cooker

Q1: What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. If you prefer white meat, breasts are the way to go. If you prefer dark meat, thighs are your best bet.

Q2: Can I substitute the cranberry sauce with fresh or frozen cranberries?

Yes, you can definitely use fresh or frozen cranberries instead of cranberry sauce. Just be sure to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe accordingly.

Q3: How long does this recipe take to cook?

This recipe takes approximately 6-8 hours to cook on low in your crock pot. You can also cook it on high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time.

Q4: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker if you don’t have access to a crock pot.

Q5: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

No, this recipe contains chicken and is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. However, you can easily modify it to make it vegan-friendly by substituting the chicken with tofu or tempeh and using vegan-friendly sauces.

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