741236291 122110510797314349 774647103208013245 n

Crockpot Cranberry Chicken

by

Crockpot Cranberry Chicken

Description

This  Crockpot Cranberry Chicken is a sweet, savory, and incredibly easy slow cooker dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. Tender chicken is  slow-cooked in a rich  cranberry sauce with onion soup mix and optional Catalina dressing for a delicious balance of tangy and sweet flavors. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or stuffing for a comforting meal the whole family will love.

Poultry

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 (14-ounce / 400 g) can whole berry or jellied cranberry sauce
  • 1 (1-ounce / 28 g) packet dry onion soup mix
  • ½ cup French or Catalina dressing (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnishes

    • Chopped fresh parsley
    • Sliced green onions
    • Fresh thyme
    • Dried cranberries
Slow Cookers

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot

Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Add the Chicken

Arrange the chicken breasts or thighs in a single layer in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Food

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

    • Cranberry sauce
    • Onion soup mix
    • French or Catalina dressing (if using)
    • Dijon mustard (if using)
    • Black pepper
Poultry

Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Pour the cranberry mixture evenly over the chicken.

Cover and cook:

Cutlery & Cutting Accessories
  • LOW: 6–7 hours
  • HIGH: 3–4 hours

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Serve

Spoon the warm cranberry sauce over the chicken before serving.

Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, stuffing, roasted vegetables, or buttered noodles.

Recipe Notes

Chicken thighs stay extra juicy during slow cooking.

    • Whole berry cranberry sauce adds more texture, while jellied cranberry sauce creates a smoother sauce.
    • Catalina dressing adds sweetness and tang, but the recipe is still delicious without it.
    • If the sauce is thinner than you prefer, remove the lid during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking or thicken it with a cornstarch slurry.
Fruits & Vegetables

Tips

  • Add fresh rosemary or thyme for extra holiday flavor.
  • Stir in a splash of orange juice or orange zest for a bright citrus note.
  • Add baby carrots or sweet potatoes to make it a complete one-pot meal.
  • Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts over the finished dish for added crunch.
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months.

Servings

  • Serves: 6
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6–7 hours (Low) or 3–4 hours (High)
  • Total Time: About 6 hours 10 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

    • Calories: 340
    • Protein: 35 g
    • Fat: 7 g
    • Carbohydrates: 27 g
    • Fiber: 1 g
    • Sugar: 21 g
    • Sodium: 720 mg
Slow Cookers

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients and optional additions used.

Health Benefits

  • High in lean protein to support muscle maintenance and satiety.
  • Cranberries provide antioxidants and vitamin C.
  • Slow cooking keeps the chicken moist and tender.
  • Simple pantry ingredients make this an easy, budget-friendly meal.
  • Great for meal prep, with leftovers reheating beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
For food safety, thaw the chicken completely before placing it in the slow cooker.

2. Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Yes! Homemade cranberry sauce works wonderfully and adds a fresh, homemade flavor.

Cooking & Recipes

3. Can I substitute the onion soup mix?
Yes. Use a blend of onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, and a little beef or chicken bouillon if preferred.

4. Can I make this with turkey?
Absolutely. Boneless turkey breast or turkey thighs are excellent substitutes.

5. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

6. Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes. Cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

7. What side dishes go best with Cranberry Chicken?
Mashed potatoes, wild rice, stuffing, roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, roasted carrots, or a fresh garden salad all pair beautifully.

8. Can I make the sauce thicker?
Yes. Stir in a slurry made with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking until the sauce thickens.

Leave a Comment