Cranberry Chicken Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that delivers a delightful balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors all in one, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite Cranberry Chicken Recipe. This vibrant meal turns simple chicken breasts into something extraordinary by bathing them in a luscious cranberry sauce made from whole berry cranberry sauce, spices, and a touch of brown sugar. The result is juicy, tender chicken with a gorgeous ruby glaze that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for family or special guests, this dish brings warmth and festive cheer to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is straightforward but essential, perfectly combining to build the complex flavors and inviting colors that make this Cranberry Chicken Recipe so memorable. From the tang of apple cider vinegar to the aromatic garlic and paprika, these simple components create a remarkable sauce that enhances the chicken beautifully.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce (14 oz.): The star ingredient providing that distinct tartness and vibrant color.
- Olive oil (¼ cup): Adds richness and helps blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Apple cider vinegar (3 tablespoons): Offers acidity to balance the sweetness of cranberries and sugar.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses a savory depth and aromatic punch.
- Dried minced onion (2 tablespoons): Enhances flavor without the texture of fresh onion.
- Light brown sugar (2 tablespoons, packed): Introduces a warm caramel sweetness to the sauce.
- Dried parsley flakes (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle herbal freshness.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Boosts savory notes gently.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Lends a smoky undertone and beautiful color.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for balancing all the flavors.
- Ground black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a mild heat and complexity.
- Chicken breasts (4, boneless and skinless): The tender protein base that soaks up all the zesty sauce.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Brings a pop of green and fresh aroma to finish the dish.
- Cooked rice (for serving): Perfect to absorb the cranberry sauce and complement the flavors.
How to Make Cranberry Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray – this ensures your chicken won’t stick and the sauce cooks evenly in the dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole berry cranberry sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, dried minced onion, light brown sugar, parsley flakes, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mixing thoroughly at this stage helps all the flavors meld beautifully, giving you a vibrant sauce that is sweet, tangy, and gently spiced.
Step 3: Arrange the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in the baking dish in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and allows each piece of chicken to soak up maximum flavor from the cranberry mixture.
Step 4: Pour the Sauce
Evenly pour the cranberry sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure each breast is fully coated. This creates a delicious glaze that will bake into the chicken, sealing in moisture and flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce bubbling and thickening, turning a deep glossy red that’s incredibly appetizing. To ensure your chicken is safe and perfectly cooked, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, spoon some of the luscious sauce over the chicken breasts and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately over a bed of cooked rice, which perfectly soaks up the delicious sauce, rounding out this simple yet elegant Cranberry Chicken Recipe.
How to Serve Cranberry Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t only for color; it gives a light, herbaceous contrast against the rich sweetness of the sauce. You can also sprinkle some toasted sliced almonds or chopped green onions for added texture and a flavor twist.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the wonderful cranberry sauce. Alternatively, roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus are excellent choices to bring some earthiness and crunch to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, consider plating the chicken breasts sliced on a long platter with a ribbon of sauce drizzled artfully over. Garnish with vibrant cranberries and parsley sprigs for a festive touch. You can even place the baked chicken atop a wild rice pilaf mixed with nuts and cranberries for added texture and elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cranberry chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce intensifies as it sits, making for an even more flavorful meal the next day.
Freezing
This Cranberry Chicken Recipe freezes well. Place cooled chicken breasts and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 300°F until warmed through to preserve the texture. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring the sauce halfway through to keep it even.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this Cranberry Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw them before baking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check packaged products like cranberry sauce and spices to be certain.
Can I substitute fresh cranberries for the canned sauce?
You can, but it requires cooking fresh cranberries with sugar to make a sauce beforehand, which adds extra prep time. The canned whole berry cranberry sauce is a convenient and tasty shortcut.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part; the internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
Can I make this Cranberry Chicken Recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, place the chicken and sauce in your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, though the texture will be slightly different than oven-baked.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Chicken Recipe is a shining example of how a handful of simple ingredients can transform a humble weeknight dinner into an experience worth savoring. Its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors makes it one of my go-to recipes that never fails to impress. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the smiles it brings to your dinner table.
Print
Cranberry Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cranberry Chicken Recipe offers a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors, featuring tender chicken breasts baked in a sweet and zesty cranberry sauce. Ideal for a comforting dinner, it pairs beautifully with cooked rice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an elegant yet easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce
- 1 (14 oz.) can whole berry cranberry sauce
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
For Garnish and Serving
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, dried minced onion, packed light brown sugar, dried parsley flakes, onion powder, paprika, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a smooth, flavorful sauce.
- Arrange the Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts evenly in a single layer within the prepared baking dish, ensuring they have enough room to cook evenly.
- Pour the Sauce: Evenly pour the prepared cranberry sauce mixture over the chicken breasts. Make sure each piece is well coated to infuse maximum flavor during baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon any remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the cranberry chicken hot over a bed of cooked rice for a complete and delicious meal.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked to 165°F for food safety.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to add color and nutrition.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated within 2 days.
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 1-2 hours before baking.
- If fresh parsley is unavailable, dried parsley or cilantro can be used as a garnish alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
