Cranberry Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the savory flavors of chicken with the sweet and tangy taste of cranberry sauce. This recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The bright color and delicious aroma make it a festive addition to your table, especially during the holidays, but it’s easy enough to enjoy any day of the week!

What You’ll Need for Cranberry Chicken

Gather these simple ingredients to create your mouthwatering Cranberry Chicken dish:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup cranberry sauce (jellied or whole-berry)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Cranberry Chicken Recipe

Ready to cook? Follow these easy steps to make your Cranberry Chicken:

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mixed Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, chicken broth, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the chicken.
Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the seasoning is well distributed.
Sear the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they turn a lovely golden brown.
Add Sauce: Pour the cranberry sauce mixture evenly over and around the chicken breasts. Don’t forget to turn each piece to coat it well in that delicious sauce!
Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you’d like, you can baste the chicken with the pan sauce once or twice during baking.
Rest the Chicken: Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making your chicken super tender.
Serve: Spoon some extra cranberry sauce over the top of the chicken, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.

How to Serve Cranberry Chicken

Cranberry Chicken is not just tasty; it’s also visually appealing! Serve it on a large platter with extra sauce drizzled over the top. Pair it with steamed green beans, fluffy mashed potatoes, or a light salad for a balanced meal. If you want to wow your guests, consider serving it alongside roasted seasonal vegetables for a pop of color and flavor.

Helpful Tricks for Cranberry Chicken

Customize the Flavor: Feel free to play with the ingredients! You can add some chopped onions or garlic to the pan while searing the chicken for added depth.
Make It Spicy: If you’re a fan of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
Great for Leftovers: This dish also makes fantastic leftovers! Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.

Cranberry Chicken FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw them before cooking to ensure even cooking.

What can I use instead of soy sauce?
You can substitute soy sauce with tamari (a gluten-free option) or coconut aminos for a similar flavor profile.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce earlier in the day, store them separately in the fridge, and bake them right before you’re ready to serve.

If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive meal, give this Cranberry Chicken a try! The sweet and savory combination is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!

Print Recipe

Cranberry Chicken

Cranberry Chicken is a delightful dish that combines savory chicken with sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, perfect for family dinners and festive occasions.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken recipes, Cranberry Chicken, Easy Dinner, Holiday Recipes, Savory Chicken

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup cranberry sauce (jellied or whole-berry)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce Can be substituted with tamari or coconut aminos.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon olive oil For searing the chicken.
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, chicken broth, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined. Set this mixture aside.
Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Cooking

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Pour the cranberry sauce mixture over and around the chicken breasts, making sure to coat them well.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Baste the chicken with the pan sauce once or twice if desired.
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
Serve the chicken with extra cranberry sauce spooned over the top, garnished with chopped parsley.

Notes

This dish is visually appealing and can be paired with steamed green beans, mashed potatoes, or a light salad. For customization, consider adding onions or garlic while searing, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for spice.