Walking into a home with the sweet smell of cranberry chicken is magical. I first tried cranberry chicken on a cold fall evening. My family was together for dinner, and I made this easy recipe with fresh cranberries.
The chicken and cranberries mixed in a way that amazed everyone. It quickly became a favorite at our table.
This homemade cranberry chicken is not only tasty but also easy to make. It’s perfect for any time, whether it’s a quick dinner or a special event. Let’s make this comforting dish together and enjoy it at home.
Introduction to Cranberry Chicken
Cranberry chicken is a tasty dish that mixes tender chicken with sweet cranberries. This mix makes a flavor that many love. It’s great for special times and everyday meals.
This recipe is a hit, with a 5-star rating from 20 people. It’s ready in 5 minutes and cooks in 1 hour. It feeds 4, perfect for family dinners or prep meals.
This dish is not only quick but also healthy. Each serving has 560 calories and 39g of protein. Chicken and cranberries together are a tasty and nutritious mix.
Keep reading to see why this recipe is loved by so many. It’s perfect for a cozy family meal or a special event. My quick cranberry chicken recipe will surely wow your guests.
Why I Love This Cranberry Chicken Recipe
Making this cranberry chicken has been a family tradition for nearly 30 years. It’s simple yet tastes amazing, perfect for busy weeknights. I can make it in just 30 minutes, which is great for my busy life.
This recipe holds a special place in our hearts. We’ve enjoyed it at many family events. The fresh cranberries from Wisconsin make it extra special. Plus, it’s easy to clean up after.
Preparing this dish is quick, taking under five minutes. It uses chicken thighs, apple cider vinegar, honey, ginger, and thyme. These ingredients make it rich and savory. It’s also healthy, making it a favorite for many reasons.
Every time I serve this chicken, it’s a hit. The mix of flavors is satisfying and shows love in every bite. It’s also low in calories, making it a guilt-free choice. This recipe has a 4.85 out of 5 rating, showing it’s a family favorite.
Ingredients Needed for My Homemade Cranberry Chicken
To make my easy cranberry chicken recipe, you need a few key ingredients. These make the dish tasty, colorful, and simple to make. I’ve listed the ingredients into must-haves and extra goodies. This makes it easy to adjust the recipe to your liking.
Essential Ingredients
- 3 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 8-ounce bottle of Catalina salad dressing
- 1 packet of dry onion soup mix (about 1.25 ounces)
- 15-ounce can of whole-berry cranberry sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
For extra flavor in my cranberry chicken recipe, try these:
- Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme
- A splash of Russian salad dressing if Catalina is unavailable
- Whole-berry and jellied cranberry sauce as interchangeable options
- A bit of apricot preserves as a substitute for cranberry sauce
- Sliced onions or bell peppers for added texture
This mix of must-haves and extras makes a tasty cranberry chicken recipe. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. The flexibility lets everyone make it their own, making it a hit at many events.
How to Prepare the Cranberry Chicken Recipe
Making my homemade cranberry chicken is fun and adds flavor to meals. It starts with mixing key ingredients in a dish. I mix salad dressing, onion soup mix, and cranberry sauce. This mix coats the chicken well and adds lots of flavor.
It’s important to coat the chicken well. Each piece needs to be covered in the sauce for great taste. Using Russian dressing or a creamy option makes it even better.
Then, I put the chicken in a 350-degree oven. Or, I can use a crockpot on low for 4-5 hours. Make sure the chicken is 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be safe.
After about an hour, the chicken is ready to wow everyone. I add herbs like thyme and rosemary for extra flavor. These steps make a delicious and easy meal.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh Cranberries | 1 and 1/2 cups |
| Salad Dressing | Your choice (Russian, Western, Creamy French, etc.) |
| Onion Soup Mix | 1 packet |
| Chicken Breasts | 4-6 pieces |
| Herbs (e.g., Thyme, Rosemary) | To taste |
| Alternative Sweetener (optional) | Orange marmalade, peach preserves, etc. |
Cooking Instructions for Delicious Cranberry Chicken
Making a quick cranberry chicken recipe is easy. Just follow these steps to keep the chicken juicy and tasty. Let me show you how to cook cranberry chicken right.
Step-by-Step Guide
- First, heat your oven to 350℉.
- Put 3 pounds of chicken breasts or thighs in a baking dish. Season it a bit.
- Mix a 15.25-ounce can of cranberry sauce, one cup of salad dressing, and an onion soup mix packet. Pour it over the chicken.
- Then, cover the dish with aluminum foil tightly.
- Put it in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Next, take off the foil and bake for another 15 minutes.
- Make sure the chicken’s inside is 165 degrees F. This means it’s cooked well.
Cooking Tips for Juicy Chicken
Here are some tips for juicy chicken:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s inside. This stops it from getting too dry.
- Try thickening the sauce with cornstarch and water before serving.
- Change the French dressing to get a different taste.
- Add orange marmalade or peach preserves for sweetness.
This quick cranberry chicken recipe will impress everyone. It’s easy to make and tastes great. Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal!
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Chicken Dinner
Enjoying a cranberry chicken dinner is even better with the right sides. I like to serve it with fluffy rice. This helps soak up the tasty cranberry balsamic glaze. It makes the meal feel cozy and warm.
Adding roasted veggies like asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts is a great idea. They add a nice crunch and color. This makes the dish look and taste amazing, perfect for family meals or holidays.
There are many sides you can try. Mashed potatoes or a simple garden salad work well too. These options make the chicken meal complete and filling.
For a festive look, add chopped parsley or fresh cranberries on top. It’s a simple way to add color and holiday cheer to your table.
Whether you stick to traditional sides or try something new, these ideas will make your meal special. They’ll make your cranberry chicken dinner a memorable part of any event.
Storing Leftovers Effectively
After enjoying a delicious cranberry chicken meal, it’s key to know how to store leftovers. Storing it right keeps the flavor and makes sure it’s safe to eat. I’ll share easy tips for storing cranberry chicken, so you can enjoy it later without worry.
Refrigerating Leftovers
When I plan to eat leftover cranberry chicken in a few days, refrigerating is best. I use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This way, it stays good for up to three days in the fridge.
Let it cool down before putting it in the container. This stops moisture from making it soggy.
Freezing Cranberry Chicken
If I want to keep it longer, freezing is the best choice. I use freezer-safe bags to keep it safe. Before sealing, I remove air to stop freezer burn.
Chicken can last up to nine months in the freezer if it stays frozen. Thawing it in the fridge overnight is best. It keeps the flavor and texture just like the first time.
Nutrition Information of Cranberry Chicken
Knowing the nutrition facts of cranberry chicken is key for a healthy diet. It has about 508 calories per serving. This dish is balanced with carbs, fat, and protein, making it a good meal choice.
The table below shows the main nutrients in a serving of healthy cranberry chicken:
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving | Daily Value Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 508 kcal | |
| Carbohydrates | 53g | 45% |
| Fat | 6g | 12% |
| Protein | 55g | 43% |
| Fiber | 3g | |
| Sugars | 42g | |
| Iron | 18% | |
| Potassium | 20% | |
| Magnesium | 18% | |
| Niacin | 143% | |
| Vitamin B6 | 149% | |
| Selenium | 101% |
This dish is packed with protein, giving you 97% of your daily value. It also has lots of potassium and magnesium. These minerals are good for your body. The vitamins and minerals in cranberry chicken are great for many diets, including those with diabetes or kidney disease.
Pairing Side Dishes with Cranberry Chicken
Cranberry chicken is sweet and savory. It’s important to pick the best sides to go with it. Here are some great choices that make a complete meal.
Mashed potatoes are a classic choice. They are creamy and go well with the chicken. Roasted vegetables with garlic are also great. They add color and a bit of crunch.
If you want something light, a fresh salad is perfect. It adds a refreshing touch. Sweet potatoes and rice are also good options. They add sweetness and a neutral base for flavors.
| Side Dish | Description | Key Ingredient |
|---|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | Creamy and buttery, ideal for soaking up the sauce from the chicken. | Butter and cream |
| Roasted Vegetables | A colorful medley that brings a mix of flavors and textures. | Garlic |
| Fresh Salad | A light and refreshing side to balance the rich flavors of the chicken. | Leafy greens |
| Sweet Potatoes | Baked or mashed, providing a sweet counterpart. | Sweet potatoes |
| Rice | A versatile carb, perfect for pairing with the dish. | White or brown rice |
These side dishes make a meal balanced and memorable. They pair well with cranberry chicken. They make any dinner special, whether it’s for a family or guests.
Why This is the Best Cranberry Chicken Recipe
This cranberry chicken recipe is simple and full of flavor. It makes everyone happy. It’s ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for quick dinners.
Fresh cranberries add a nice tartness. Maple syrup and balsamic vinegar make a sweet and tangy glaze. This makes the chicken juicy and tasty.
Chicken thighs are used for more flavor and juiciness. Baking at 400°F makes it cook evenly. Each serving is healthy, with 499 calories, 37 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fiber.
This recipe is easy to make. It needs only four main ingredients. People love it, giving it a 5-star rating.
It’s also great for leftovers. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for about three months. It’s a favorite in my kitchen for its taste and convenience.
| Nutritional Information (Per Serving) | Calories | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat | Saturated Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cranberry Chicken | 399 | 37g | 23g | 17g | 3g |
Conclusion
Thinking about this homemade cranberry chicken recipe makes me happy. It’s full of flavor and easy to make. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a special meal.
This dish is great because you can change it up. Add pancetta or orange slices for extra taste. You can also make it more tart by cooking the cranberries longer.
It goes well with many sides, like rice or mashed potatoes. This makes it a hit with everyone at the table.
This recipe is more than food; it’s a way to bring people together. Try it in your kitchen and enjoy the yummy flavors. Your family will love it!
