Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
Tender, juicy chicken breasts slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce. This easy crockpot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, holiday dinners, or whenever you want a comforting meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
- 1/2 cup French dressing or Catalina dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
2. Add the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Make the Cranberry Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, dry onion soup mix, French dressing, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well blended.
4. Add the Sauce
Pour the cranberry mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is coated with the sauce.
5. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, depending on the thickness of the chicken. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve
Carefully transfer the chicken to serving plates and spoon the cranberry sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious cranberry chicken over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. Roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, or a fresh garden salad make wonderful side dishes.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor: Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of orange juice to the sauce.
- For a thicker sauce: Transfer the sauce to a saucepan and simmer until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- For juicy chicken: Check the internal temperature before the end of the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
- For a holiday meal: Serve with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a festive dinner.
This sweet, tangy, and savory Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken is an easy family dinner that delivers big flavor with very little prep work. Perfect for anyone who loves simple crockpot meals!