Cranberry Chicken served in a slow cooker with fresh herbs and garnishes

Cranberry Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe

why make this recipe

Cranberry Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe is a delightful and easy meal that combines sweet and savory flavors. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something delicious without much effort. Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld wonderfully, making the chicken tender and juicy. Plus, it’s a great dish for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.

how to make Cranberry Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup creamy French dressing
  • 15 oz. can whole cranberry sauce, divided
  • 1 oz. packet Lipton onion soup mix

Directions:

  1. Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly in the slow cooker base to create a single layer.
  2. Pour the entire cup of creamy French dressing over the chicken breasts.
  3. Evenly sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix on top of the dressing-covered chicken.
  4. Spread HALF of the can of whole cranberry sauce over the mixture in the slow cooker, ensuring an even distribution.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  6. Once cooking is complete, carefully lay paper towels over the surface of the sauce in the slow cooker to absorb excess grease, then remove the paper towels.
  7. Decide whether to serve the chicken breasts whole or shredded. Plate the chicken and top with the remaining half of the cranberry sauce for a delicious finishing touch.

how to serve Cranberry Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe

Cranberry Chicken can be served in various ways. You can plate the chicken breasts whole or shred them for a more casual presentation. Pair it with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. The extra cranberry sauce on top adds a lovely touch and brings out the flavors even more.

how to store Cranberry Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe

To store leftover Cranberry Chicken, let it cool down first. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will last for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Cranberry Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe

  • Use fresh chicken for the best flavor and texture.
  • You can adjust the amount of cranberry sauce based on your preference for sweetness.
  • If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the mix.
  • For extra flavor, sauté some garlic or onions before adding them to the slow cooker.

variation

You can easily modify the recipe by adding vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for more color and nutrition. Alternatively, try using a different type of dressing, such as a honey mustard, to change the flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you may need to extend the cooking time by an hour or so for it to cook thoroughly.

2. Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a pressure cooker by cooking it on high pressure for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.

3. What side dishes go well with Cranberry Chicken?
Cranberry Chicken pairs nicely with rice, quinoa, steamed vegetables, or a fresh garden salad. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

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Cranberry Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe

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A delightful and easy meal that combines sweet and savory flavors, perfect for busy days.

  • Author: penny
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 360 minutes
  • Total Time: 370 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup creamy French dressing
  • 15 oz. can whole cranberry sauce, divided
  • 1 oz. packet Lipton onion soup mix

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts evenly in the slow cooker base in a single layer.
  2. Pour the creamy French dressing over the chicken breasts.
  3. Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix on top of the chicken.
  4. Spread half of the cranberry sauce over the mixture evenly.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours until the chicken is cooked and tender.
  6. After cooking, lay paper towels over the sauce to absorb excess grease, then remove the towels.
  7. Plate the chicken whole or shredded, and top with the remaining cranberry sauce.

Notes

For best results, use fresh chicken. Adjust cranberry sauce for desired sweetness and add red pepper flakes for heat if preferred.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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