If you’re craving a cozy meal that stuns with both flavor and simplicity, let me introduce you to the Cranberry Chicken Recipe. Imagine tender chicken soaking up a tangy-sweet sauce that practically glows in your slow cooker, with gentle hints of onion and a gorgeous pop of cranberry. This is a dish that brings comfort, a splash of color, and just the right balance of savory and sweet all in one easy package — and it’s every bit as satisfying as it sounds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about the Cranberry Chicken Recipe is how effortless the shopping list is! Each ingredient does serious heavy lifting: from juicy chicken for a hearty base, to French dressing for creaminess, the onion soup mix for savory depth, and that vibrant whole cranberry sauce for festive tang and color.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (2 lbs): Thick, juicy, and perfect for soaking up all the flavors in this slow-cooked dish.
Creamy French Dressing (1 cup): Adds a lovely tang and creaminess that brings the sauce together like a dream.
Whole Cranberry Sauce (15 oz. can, divided): Delivers pops of sweet-tart flavor, plus a striking ruby glow in every spoonful.
Lipton Onion Soup Mix (1 oz. packet): Lends a deep, savory punch and subtle herbal notes you’ll absolutely love.
Mashed Potatoes or Rice (for serving): The ultimate cozy base for soaking up every last drop of that irresistible sauce.

How to Make Cranberry Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Begin by arranging your boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. This simple first step ensures each piece will absorb all the delicious sauces and seasonings as everything gently cooks together.

Step 2: Add the Dressings and Seasonings

Pour the creamy French dressing evenly over the chicken breasts, then sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix right on top. No need for stirring — just let these layers work their magic, infusing your chicken with tangy richness and irresistible flavor.

Step 3: Top with Cranberry Sauce

Spoon half of the whole cranberry sauce over the chicken-dressing mixture. This gives the chicken a gorgeous jewel-like topping as it cooks, and the sweet-tart cranberry flavor will seep into every bite.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 5-6 hours, or high if you’re in a bit more of a hurry (about 4 hours). Resist the urge to peek — every minute helps the chicken become more tender and flavorful as it absorbs the sauce.

Step 5: Degrease the Sauce

Once cooking is done, it’s time for a quick trick: lay a few paper towels gently over the surface of the sauce to soak up any excess grease. This step keeps the Cranberry Chicken Recipe beautifully fresh and not at all heavy.

Step 6: Finish, Serve, and Enjoy!

Now for the big decision: serve those chicken breasts whole for a dramatic presentation, or shred them so they’re nice and saucy! Either way, spoon the remaining cranberry sauce generously over the top before serving. The bright cranberry glaze is delicious and eye-catching atop a bed of mashed potatoes or fluffy rice.

How to Serve Cranberry Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a lively green contrast and a subtle hint of freshness. If you want to make things extra festive, some orange zest or toasted almonds scattered on top will elevate the look and flavor.

Side Dishes

The best companions for Cranberry Chicken Recipe are creamy mashed potatoes or perfectly steamed white rice — both act as a wonderful canvas for the vibrant sauce. To round out the plate, consider adding a crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables, like green beans or carrots.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping weeknight meal, try shredding the chicken and tucking it into sandwich rolls or wraps with a scoop of extra cranberry sauce. Or, present it family-style, whole and glistening, surrounded by sides on a platter for a colorful, impressive main course.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover cranberry chicken and its sauce into airtight containers as soon as it cools. Stored in the refrigerator, it keeps beautifully for up to three days, making for easy lunches or repeat dinners.

Freezing

This Cranberry Chicken Recipe is perfectly freezer-friendly! Portion the chicken and sauce into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the chicken gently in a covered saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. It can also be microwaved in a pinch, but stir halfway through to keep things evenly heated and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and a richer flavor to the Cranberry Chicken Recipe. Just be sure to trim any excess fat before adding them to the slow cooker.

Is there a substitute for creamy French dressing?

If you’re out of creamy French dressing, try a mix of Catalina dressing and a spoonful of mayonnaise for similar results. Even a sweet Italian vinaigrette can work in a pinch!

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?

Definitely — if you have a batch of homemade whole berry cranberry sauce, use it in place of the canned version for a personal, slightly more tart and textural touch.

How do I avoid the sauce getting too thick?

If the sauce seems too thick after cooking, just stir in a tablespoon or two of chicken stock or water until you reach your preferred consistency. It’ll loosen up without sacrificing flavor.

What’s the best way to make the Cranberry Chicken Recipe ahead for guests?

You can assemble everything in your slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate. In the morning, just pop the insert back in and set the timer — your house will smell incredible by dinnertime!

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about bringing together just a few humble ingredients and creating a meal like this Cranberry Chicken Recipe — it’s comforting, effortless, and so full of flavor! Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a festive dinner, I hope this dish finds a spot in your own go-to recipe rotation. Give it a try and watch every plate come back clean!

Cranberry Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 11 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 4-6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Cranberry Chicken Recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The tender chicken infused with creamy French dressing, tangy cranberry sauce, and savory onion soup mix is a surefire hit for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

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
Serve over mashed potatoes or rice

Instructions

Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
Pour over the creamy French dressing and sprinkle over the Lipton onion soup mix. Ensure the chicken is coated with the dressing and soup mix.
Spread over HALF of the cranberry sauce. Pour half of the cranberry sauce over the chicken.
Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours. Set the slow cooker to the desired temperature and cook the chicken until tender.
When the cooking time is up, degrease the sauce. Remove excess fat from the sauce using paper towels.
Decide to serve the chicken breasts whole or shredded. Serve the chicken with the remaining cranberry sauce on top.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American