Description
This easy-to-make Cranberry Chicken recipe combines tangy cranberry sauce with savory spices and tender chicken breasts, creating a flavorful meal perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. Serve it over fluffy cooked rice for a comforting and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Sauce
- 1 (14 oz.) can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set it aside. - Prepare the Sauce
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, dried minced onion, light brown sugar, dried parsley flakes, onion powder, paprika, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix everything until well combined. - Arrange the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. - Pour the Sauce
Pour the cranberry sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re fully coated for optimal flavor. - Bake the Chicken
Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption. - Garnish and Serve
Spoon the cranberry sauce over the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the chicken warm over a bed of cooked rice for the perfect meal.
Notes
- If available, you can substitute the canned cranberry sauce with 1 ½ cups of homemade cranberry sauce for a richer, fresher flavor.
- For extra tang and texture, sprinkle about ¼ cup of fresh cranberries over the top of the chicken before baking.
- The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (with sauce)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
