Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken is an irresistibly simple meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The beauty of this dish lies in its incredible flavor and ease of preparation. With just a few ingredients, you can create a sweet and savory sauce that envelops tender chicken breasts, making it a deliciously satisfying meal. Whether you’re going for a comforting family dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe allows you to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
The unique combination of cranberry sauce, French dressing, and onion soup mix not only brings a burst of flavor but also creates a glossy sauce that elevates the entire dish. As the chicken simmers in the slow cooker, it absorbs these rich flavors, resulting in a meal that tastes like you spent all day preparing it. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions—just ensure you use gluten-free versions of the onion soup mix and dressing.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
- Simplicity: Effortlessly prepare by letting the slow cooker do the work for you—perfect for a busy lifestyle.
- Flavorful: The sweet-and-savory profile from the cranberry sauce and French dressing is sure to please everyone’s palate.
- Versatile: Easily adapt for different tastes and dietary needs, making it a favorite for family meals or gatherings.
- Minimal Clean-Up: Cook’s in one pot, allowing for easy cleanup after a hearty meal.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into this flavorful recipe, ensuring your kitchen and workspace are set can make a world of difference. First, grab your slow cooker—this is your star appliance for the dish. While you typically only need one pot, having a medium mixing bowl for combining your sauce ingredients will streamline your process. Don’t forget to keep a pair of tongs handy for easily managing your chicken once it’s cooked. Setting out measuring cups and spoons will also help measure ingredients accurately, ensuring perfect flavor every time.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (jellied or whole-berry)
- 1/2 cup French dressing
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray or a little oil, for greasing the slow cooker (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
To start, lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray or a bit of oil. This simple step is essential as it prevents the chicken from sticking and makes cleaning a breeze later on.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Take your chicken breasts and season them generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. This not only enhances the chicken’s natural flavor but also creates a savory layer under the sauce. Place the chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker—make sure not to overcrowd for even cooking.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce, French dressing, and onion soup mix. Stir these ingredients until they form a smooth, homogenous mixture. The unique combination of the tangy cranberry with the creamy dressing and the aromatic onion will create a flavor bomb that seeps into the chicken.
Step 4: Combine and Cook
Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. It’s important to ensure every piece is well coated to absorb all those fantastic flavors. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook for either 6 to 7 hours on LOW or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Once your chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. This method is not only simple but allows the chicken to soak in even more sauce. Stir everything together so that the chicken is well combined with the sauce. Taste your dish before serving, adjusting the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Should the sauce seem too thick, feel free to add a splash of water or chicken broth for your desired consistency.
Variations
- Protein: Switch out chicken breasts for thighs for a richer flavor, or even try it with turkey for a festive twist.
- Vegetables: Toss in diced carrots or chopped bell peppers alongside the chicken for an added nutritional boost and color.
- Spices: Feel free to incorporate garlic powder or herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure to check that the chicken is cooked through by using a meat thermometer; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- If preparing for meal prep, store leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; just reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your slow cooker cranberry chicken over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that delightful sauce.
- Pair it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Tips
- For a thicker sauce, try reducing the cooking time slightly and uncovering the slow cooker for the last hour of cooking.
- If you prefer a sweeter flavor, opt for jellied cranberry sauce, which will melt into the dish more readily.
- Garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the dish.
- Experiment with different dressings to find your favorite flavor profile; honey mustard or balsamic vinaigrette can work wonders!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours on LOW or 3 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: About 6 hours 10 minutes on LOW or 3 hours 10 minutes on HIGH
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: Varies with soup mix—estimated around 800mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to increase the cooking time to ensure it’s cooked thoroughly. Using a meat thermometer is recommended.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Use the sauté function for a few minutes to brown the chicken (optional), then add the sauce, secure the lid, and cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes.
Can I add more vegetables to the slow cooker?
Definitely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even sweet potatoes can enhance both the nutrition and flavor of the dish.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken is a remarkable meal that combines ease and flavor in one pot. It’s an ideal choice for those looking for a simple yet delicious dinner solution, and it brings the family together at the dinner table. The sweet and savory sauce, coupled with tender chicken, creates a comfort food classic that’ll quickly become a regular in your weekly meal rotation. We encourage you to try this recipe and explore the variations to make it your own. Don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments and send it to a friend who might enjoy this hassle-free meal!
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Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
- Total Time: About 6 hours 10 minutes on LOW or 3 hours 10 minutes on HIGH
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken is a remarkably simple and flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (jellied or whole-berry)
- 1/2 cup French dressing
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray or a little oil, for greasing the slow cooker (optional)
Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray or a bit of oil.
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides and place them evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce, French dressing, and onion soup mix until smooth.
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken and cover with the lid. Cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and taste for seasoning, adjusting as needed.
Notes
This dish freezes well for up to 2 months; just reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours on LOW or 3 hours on HIGH
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Sodium: Varies with soup mix—estimated around 800mg
- Protein: 28g