Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet and savory that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal. The tangy cranberry sauce, paired with the brightness of orange juice and a touch of honey, creates a glaze that not only flavors the chicken but also makes any dinner feel a bit more special. This dish is incredibly easy to prepare and works wonderfully for hectic weeknights or cozy family gatherings.

Gather Your Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken Ingredients

To make this flavorful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

4 boneless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup (240 ml) whole cranberry sauce
1/2 cup (120 ml) orange juice
2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey
1 tablespoon (15 ml) soy sauce
1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (5 g) garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) salt
Fresh thyme for garnish

How to Make Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken

Follow these simple steps to cook up this delightful Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless chicken thighs or breasts at the bottom of your crockpot.
Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the whole cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Coat the Chicken: Pour the delicious glaze mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Cook: Cover the crockpot. Cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for 2 and 1/2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Optional Broiling Step: For a caramelized finish, carefully transfer the chicken to a baking sheet. Spoon some of the sauce over the top and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, until the glaze is bubbling and slightly charred.
Garnish: Top your dish with fresh thyme and a few extra cranberries before serving to make it look inviting.

Serve & Enjoy Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken

This Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken is best served hot, accompanied by your favorite sides. Consider pairing it with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the extra glaze. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables would complement the dish beautifully, adding color and freshness to your plate. Don’t forget to drizzle a bit of the thickened sauce over your sides for that extra burst of flavor!

Expert Tips for Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken

Make it Saucy: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the glaze simmer in the crockpot uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will concentrate the flavors and provide a richer texture.
Add a Twist: For a zesty kick, toss in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of chili flakes to the sauce mixture. This adds a nice contrast to the sweet and tangy flavors.
Use Different Meats: While chicken is delicious, you can also try this glaze with pork or turkey. Cooking times may vary, so check for doneness according to the type of meat used.

Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in the crockpot. However, it may require a little longer cooking time. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the chicken and sauce the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just cook it in the crockpot the next day.

What should I do with leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick meal.

Give this Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken a try! It’s not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that you and your loved ones will enjoy. Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken

A perfect blend of sweet and savory, this dish transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal with tangy cranberry sauce and a hint of orange juice.

Prep Time15

Cook Time6

Total Time6 15

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Cranberry Chicken, Crockpot Chicken, Glazed Chicken

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 pieces boneless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup whole cranberry sauce (240 ml)
1/2 cup orange juice (120 ml)
2 tablespoons honey (30 ml)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (15 ml)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (15 ml)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (5 g)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (2.5 g)
1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 g)
to taste Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions

Preparation

Place the boneless chicken thighs or breasts at the bottom of your crockpot.
In a bowl, whisk together the whole cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Pour the delicious glaze mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Cooking

Cover the crockpot. Cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for 2 and 1/2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
For a caramelized finish, carefully transfer the chicken to a baking sheet. Spoon some of the sauce over the top and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, until the glaze is bubbling and slightly charred.

Garnishing

Top your dish with fresh thyme and a few extra cranberries before serving to make it look inviting.

Notes

If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the glaze simmer in the crockpot uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking. For a zesty kick, toss in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of chili flakes to the sauce mixture. You can also try this glaze with pork or turkey, adjusting cooking times accordingly.