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
Scale
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
