This cranberry chicken is a tasty dish that cooks slowly, letting all the flavors mix perfectly. The chicken turns out juicy, while the sweet and tangy cranberry sauce adds a lovely touch!
Making this in a slow cooker is a game changer! I just toss everything in, relax, and enjoy the yummy smell filling my kitchen. Perfect for busy days—dinner made easy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I prefer boneless, skinless thighs because they’re juicy and tender. However, you can use chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on cooking time since breasts can dry out quicker.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries give a nice tartness. If they’re out of season or not available, you can substitute with dried cranberries. Just soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to plump them up before using.
Cranberry Sauce: You can use store-bought sauce, but homemade is great if you have the time! Just simmer cranberries with some sugar and water. If you’re short on time, skip the homemade part and use your favorite jarred version.
Sweetener: I use honey for a hint of floral sweetness, but maple syrup works beautifully too. For a vegan option, choose agave syrup or another plant-based sweetener.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice really brightens the dish, but store-bought is fine too. If you need a substitute, try apple juice or even a splash of vinegar for a little acidity.
How Do I Get My Chicken to Turn Out Perfectly Tender?
Getting tender chicken in a slow cooker is all about the cooking time! Here are some tips:
- Always check the internal temperature—the chicken should hit at least 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- Don’t lift the lid too often while cooking, as this releases heat and can extend cooking time.
- If you’re using large chicken pieces, consider adding a little extra time to ensure they are cooked through and juicy.
Lastly, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the cooker helps keep it moist!
Enjoy preparing this slow cooker cranberry chicken! It’s incredibly simple and can be customized to suit your taste perfectly.
Delicious Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (or whole berry cranberry sauce)
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or thyme sprigs (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time of 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in the slow cooker. So in total, you’re looking at about 4 hours and 10 minutes to 6 hours and 10 minutes, depending on your cooking method.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
If you want a little more flavor, lightly season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. This helps enhance the overall taste of the dish.
2. Sear the Chicken (Optional):
If you have a bit of extra time, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely golden brown. This step adds flavor, but you can skip it if you’re in a hurry!
3. Make the Sauce:
In your slow cooker, combine the cranberry sauce, fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, chopped onion, soy sauce, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
4. Add the Chicken:
Carefully place the chicken thighs into the slow cooker, and then spoon the cranberry sauce mixture over them so they’re nicely coated.
5. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook your chicken on low for 4-6 hours or on high for about 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
6. Serve:
Once your chicken is done cooking, carefully remove the thighs and place them onto serving plates. Spoon some of that delicious cooked cranberry mixture over the top.
7. Garnish:
If you want to dress it up a bit, garnish the chicken with fresh thyme leaves or parsley.
8. Enjoy:
Serve your tasty cranberry chicken warm with your favorite sides, like rice, mashed potatoes, or some steamed veggies. Enjoy this sweet and tangy meal—it’s sure to be a hit!
Enjoy this tangy and sweet slow cooker cranberry chicken that’s perfect for an easy and comforting meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! However, ensure it is completely thawed before adding it to the slow cooker. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for a quick option. Just note that cooking time may slightly vary with frozen chicken.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Fresh Cranberries?
Absolutely! If fresh cranberries aren’t available, you can substitute them with dried cranberries. Just soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the slow cooker for the best flavor and texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Dish?
Yes! You can easily adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less honey or maple syrup according to your preference. If you like it less sweet, feel free to reduce the amount of sweetener used in the recipe!
