This Cranberry Chicken recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a mouthwatering dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—when really, it takes just 5 minutes of prep! The tangy-sweet cranberry sauce creates a gorgeous glaze that coats the chicken as it bakes, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that’s perfect for any night of the week. Trust me, this is one of those secret-weapon recipes that will make everyone think you’re a culinary genius!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Simple: Just mix, pour, and bake! The oven does all the work while you relax.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of tangy cranberries, savory garlic, and subtle sweetness creates a sauce that’s absolutely irresistible.
Weeknight Wonder: With just 5 minutes of prep time, this dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without the fuss.
Impressive Presentation: The vibrant red sauce makes this dish look like something from a restaurant, making it great for both family dinners and entertaining guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cranberry Sauce: The star of the show! Canned whole berry sauce creates the base of our glaze. It adds sweetness, tartness, and that beautiful ruby color.
Olive Oil: Helps create a silky sauce that coats the chicken perfectly while adding richness.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings a bright tang that balances the sweetness of the cranberries and brown sugar.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with savory depth. Don’t skimp here!
Dried Minced Onion: Provides texture and flavor without the work of chopping fresh onions.
Brown Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the cranberries and helps create that beautiful glaze.
Dried Herbs and Spices: Parsley, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper create a balanced flavor profile that complements both the chicken and cranberries.
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts work best here, providing a neutral canvas for our flavorful sauce.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness when serving.
Rice: The perfect base for soaking up all that delicious sauce!

Variations

Protein Swaps

Try this sauce with boneless chicken thighs for even juicier results, or swap the chicken for pork tenderloin for an equally delicious meal.

Add Some Heat

Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cranberry mixture for a spicy-sweet combination.

Make It Fruity

Add orange zest or a splash of orange juice to the sauce for a citrusy twist that pairs beautifully with cranberries.

Herb It Up

Replace the dried parsley with fresh rosemary or thyme for a more aromatic version.

How to Make Cranberry Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Mix the Cranberry Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, combine cranberry sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, dried minced onion, brown sugar, and all the seasonings. Stir until well blended into a rich, aromatic sauce.

Step 3: Arrange the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, making sure they don’t overlap for even cooking.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

Pour the cranberry mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring each breast is well coated. The sauce will seep around the chicken as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for approximately 45 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The sauce will thicken slightly as it bakes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the sauce over the chicken, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve over warm rice for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Even Chicken Size: Try to select chicken breasts of similar size and thickness for even cooking. If they vary greatly, pound them to even thickness.
Don’t Rush: Let the chicken bake for the full time to allow the sauce to reduce and intensify in flavor.
Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F for safety without overcooking.
Fresh Cranberry Boost: For extra texture and tangy bursts, sprinkle fresh cranberries over the dish before baking as suggested in the original recipe.
Sauce Management: The sauce will be quite liquid when it comes out of the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, and it will thicken slightly.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This cranberry chicken naturally pairs well with rice, but it’s also delicious with:

Fluffy mashed potatoes
Roasted green beans or asparagus
A simple side salad with vinaigrette
Crusty bread for soaking up the sauce

Presentation Ideas

For a beautiful presentation, slice the chicken before serving and fan it out over the rice. Drizzle generously with sauce and garnish with additional fresh parsley and a few fresh cranberries if available.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cranberry chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves after a day as the sauce continues to infuse the chicken.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Portion cooled leftovers into freezer containers and freeze for up to 3 months. The sauce helps keep the chicken moist even after reheating.

Reheating

For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. Add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often turn out even juicier than breasts. Adjust cooking time slightly—thighs may need a few extra minutes to reach 165°F internally.

What can I substitute for cranberry sauce if it’s not available?
If cranberry sauce isn’t available, try cherry preserves or red currant jelly mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice to add tartness. The flavor will be different but still delicious.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Place chicken in the slow cooker, pour the mixed sauce over, and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until chicken reaches 165°F. The sauce won’t reduce as much as in the oven, so you might want to use less liquid initially.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe as written is gluten-free, just be sure to check your cranberry sauce label to ensure no gluten-containing additives. Serve with rice or another gluten-free side to keep the entire meal gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Chicken recipe has become my go-to when I need something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The gorgeous ruby sauce, tender chicken, and perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors make it taste like a special occasion dish, even on an ordinary Tuesday. Give it a try next time you’re stuck in a dinner rut—I guarantee it will become a regular in your recipe rotation!

Cranberry Chicken Recipe