crockpot chicken cranberry recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
crockpot chicken cranberry recipe
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The Best crockpot chicken cranberry recipe

I’ve been making this crockpot chicken cranberry recipe for years, and it’s still a favorite in our household. The combination of tender chicken, sweet and tangy cranberries, and the ease of using a crockpot make it a perfect meal for any occasion.

My kids love it, and it’s even become a staple for family gatherings and potlucks. I love that it’s a relatively healthy recipe, too – the chicken is lean protein, the cranberries are packed with antioxidants, and the sauce is low in added sugar.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make. Just throw all the ingredients into the crockpot in the morning, and come home to a ready-to-eat dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.

I’ve made some tweaks over the years to suit our tastes – adding some diced onions and bell peppers for extra flavor, and using fresh or frozen cranberries depending on what I have on hand. But the basic recipe remains the same: chicken, cranberries, sauce, and a few spices to tie everything together.

It’s a simple yet impressive dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. And let me tell you – this recipe has been a lifesaver on more than one occasion when we’re short on time or energy but still need a decent meal on the table.

Crockpot Chicken Cranberry

Crockpot Chicken Cranberry

4.8 from 521 votes

This slow cooker chicken cranberry dish combines tender chicken breasts with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce. It is an easy, hands-off meal perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time4 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 10 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

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

For the Cranberry Sauce

1 can (14 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

👨‍🍳Directions

1Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper.
2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
3Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.
4In a medium bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, cinnamon, and cloves until smooth.
5Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring all pieces are coated.
6Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours or on high heat for 2 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
7If desired, shred the chicken directly in the sauce and stir to combine.
8Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
9Serve the chicken and cranberry sauce over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
Large skillet
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Chef’s knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 110mg🧂Sodium: 620mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 30g🥩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. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Crockpot Chicken Cranberry Works

This crockpot chicken cranberry recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and healthy enough for even the most discerning eaters.

Whether you’re serving it up as-is or reheating leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

And don’t forget about storage ideas – simply portion out individual servings into containers or zip-top bags for easy reheating later.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Chicken Cranberry

Q: What type of chicken should I use in this recipe?

In this recipe, I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can use either one – just adjust the cooking time accordingly if you choose thighs.

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

Yes! This recipe is perfect for a slow cooker. In fact, I often prefer it because it allows me to cook the chicken and sauce together without worrying about browning or stirring constantly.

Q: Do I have to use fresh cranberries?

No! You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries in this recipe. If you’re using frozen berries, just thaw them first before adding them to the crockpot.

Q: How long does this recipe take to prepare?

This recipe is quick and easy to prepare – just throw all the ingredients into the crockpot in the morning, and come home to a ready-to-eat dinner at night.

Q: Can I customize this recipe with other ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to give this recipe your own unique flavor.

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