Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, offering melt-in-your-mouth tenderness with every bite. The slow-cooked chicken absorbs the vibrant cranberry sauce infused with a hint of tang from French dressing and savory notes from onion soup mix, creating a comforting dish ideal for busy days.
This dish fills your home with a welcoming aroma and delivers an effortless meal with minimal prep. Best served with rice or noodles to soak up the luscious sauce, it’s a gluten-free delight that’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
- Effortless slow cooker preparation perfect for busy schedules.
- Deliciously tender chicken infused with sweet, tangy cranberry sauce.
- Simple ingredients that deliver bold flavors and comforting warmth.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides lean, tender protein that easily absorbs the flavorful sauce in the slow cooker.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
- Cranberry sauce (jellied or whole-berry): Adds sweet, tangy depth and vibrant color to the dish.
- French dressing: Imparts a zesty, creamy tang that complements the cranberry’s sweetness perfectly.
- Onion soup mix packet: Brings savory umami richness and a gentle onion flavor to the sauce blend.
- Fresh parsley: Optional garnish that brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note.
- Nonstick cooking spray or oil: Helps to coat the slow cooker surface for easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray or a little oil. This step prevents the chicken and sauce from sticking and ensures effortless cleanup after cooking.
- Season the Chicken
Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper. This basic seasoning step is crucial to enhance the flavor of the chicken before cooking.
- Arrange Chicken in Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. This ensures consistent cooking and allows the sauce to evenly coat each piece.
- Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine cranberry sauce, French dressing, and onion soup mix. Stir until well blended, creating a smooth, richly flavored sauce that perfectly balances sweet and savory.
- Pour Sauce Over Chicken
Evenly pour the cranberry mixture over the chicken, making sure each breast is coated with the vibrant sauce. This allows the chicken to soak up all the flavors while cooking.
- Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreds. Slow cooking ensures juicy, flavorful meat.
- Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded meat into the sauce so every bite is coated with the delicious cranberry mixture.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Taste the dish and adjust with extra salt or pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency, then serve hot garnished with fresh parsley optionally.
- Adding red pepper flakes can bring a subtle heat that contrasts nicely with the sweet cranberry sauce.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed rice or egg noodles to soak up all the flavorful sauce.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over fluffy rice, buttered noodles, or mashed potatoes to balance the sweet and tangy flavors. A side of steamed green beans or roasted vegetables pairs well to complete the meal.
- Use fresh or frozen cranberry sauce as per availability; both work well in the slow cooker.
- Adjust seasoning towards the end of cooking as the flavors intensify during slow cooking.
- To add texture, garnish with chopped toasted nuts or fresh herbs just before serving.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for a juicier, more flavorful result.
- Is this recipe gluten free?
Yes, if you use a gluten-free onion soup mix and French dressing, this recipe is naturally gluten free.
- Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?
You can bake the chicken in a covered baking dish at 350°F for about 45 minutes, but slow cooking yields the best tenderness.
- How can I make the sauce less sweet?
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to balance sweetness with acidity.
- Can I freeze leftover cranberry chicken?
Yes, portion leftovers into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- What sides go well with this dish?
Steamed rice, buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables are excellent choices.
Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker lightly greased
- 1 mixing bowl for sauce preparation
- 2 forks for shredding chicken
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 (optional, for garnish)
- Nonstick cooking spray or oil optional, for greasing slow cooker
Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then place them evenly in the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cranberry sauce, French dressing, and onion soup mix until smooth.
- Pour the cranberry mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks; stir to combine with the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed; thin sauce with water or chicken broth if too thick.
- Serve hot with extra sauce spooned over and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes to sauce for spice.
- Serve with rice or noodles to soak up sauce.
- Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days.
