Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

Name: Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491145H43M25S
Total time: PT-491145H43M25S
Cuisine: American
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, for garnish (optional); Nonstick cooking spray or a little oil, for greasing the slow cooker (optional)

Author: Olivia

Published: January 10, 2026

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Introduction to Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

When life gets hectic, I find myself constantly searching for meals that are both delicious and easy to prepare. Enter my Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken, a dish that’s become my go-to solution for busy nights. The tender chicken breasts perfectly paired with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce make it a family favorite. Whether I’m running errands or tackling work deadlines, this recipe allows me to serve my loved ones a fabulous dinner with minimal effort. Trust me, it’s a meal that will impress without the stress!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

This Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken recipe is a dream come true for busy moms and professionals. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, taking just 10 minutes of your time. You pop everything in the slow cooker, and voilà! The flavors develop beautifully while you focus on your day. Plus, the sweet and tangy sauce provides an explosion of taste that your family will adore, making dinner feel special without all the fuss.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

Let’s dive into the essentials for this delightful dish. Gather the following ingredients, which are key to making my Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken a hit at the dinner table:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show! They become tender and juicy during cooking.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the flavor of the chicken.

Cranberry sauce: You can use either jellied or whole-berry. This provides that signature sweet and tangy touch.
French dressing: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth, blending beautifully with the cranberry sauce.

Onion soup mix: This packed seasoning mix adds an extra layer of flavor without much effort on your part.
Fresh parsley (optional): A garnish that brightens up the dish, lending a pop of color and freshness.
Nonstick cooking spray or oil: This is optional but will make cleanup a breeze and prevent sticking.

Don’t worry, you can find the exact measurements for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for you to print out. Now you’re all set to create this wonderful meal and impress your family with those bold, delicious flavors!

How to Make Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

Making my Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken is easier than you might think! With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll have a delightful meal ready without the fuss. So, grab your ingredients and let’s get started!

Prepare the Slow Cooker

Grease the Cooker

First things first, let’s prepare the slow cooker. I lightly grease the inside with nonstick cooking spray or a little oil. This simple step will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Trust me, a clean kitchen is a happy kitchen!

Season the Chicken

Add Salt and Pepper

Next, it’s time to season the star of our dish! I take the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and season both sides with a pinch of salt and black pepper. This little touch makes all the difference in enhancing those fabulous flavors.

Make the Sauce

Combine Cranberry Sauce, Dressing, and Soup Mix

Now, let’s whip up that delicious sauce! I combine one cup of cranberry sauce, half a cup of French dressing, and a packet of onion soup mix in a medium mixing bowl. Stir it until smooth and evenly blended. You’ll be amazed at how the sweetness and tanginess mingle!

Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Coat Chicken with Sauce

With everything prepped, it’s time to bring it all together! I place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, I pour the cranberry mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure every piece is well coated. This ensures that when it cooks, the flavors seep deep into the meat.

Cook the Chicken

Choose Cooking Time

Now, we let the slow cooker do its magic! I cover it with the lid and choose my cooking time. Depending on how my day is going, I cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Either way, you’ll end up with chicken that’s tender and flavorful!

Shred and Finish

Mix and Adjust Seasoning

Once the chicken is cooked through, it’s time for the fun part! I take two forks and shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Then, I give it a good stir to mix everything together until it’s well combined. If the sauce seems too thick, I just stir in a splash of water or chicken broth. Finally, I take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed. Voilà! Dinner’s ready to be served!

Tips for Success

Always check the chicken’s internal temperature; it should reach 165°F for safety.

For added depth, consider a splash of balsamic vinegar in the sauce.
If you’re short on time, season and prep the chicken the night before.
Pair with a fresh salad to balance the meal’s rich flavors.

Don’t forget to serve with rice or noodles to soak up all that awesome sauce!

Equipment Needed

Slow Cooker: This is essential for our recipe, but an Instant Pot also works perfectly.
Mixing Bowl: A medium-size bowl for combining the sauce. A large measuring cup can do the job too!

Measuring Cups: Handy to get your ingredient quantities right. You can use a kitchen scale as an alternative.
Forks: Perfect for shredding the chicken later on. Use tongs if you prefer!

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce for a zesty heat that pairs well with the sweetness.

Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken for cubed tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based meal.
Cranberry Orange Delight: Mix in the zest of an orange along with the cranberry sauce for a refreshing citrus twist.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with adding a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to complement the flavors and elevate your dish.

Low-Carb Version: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional methods to keep it light and healthy.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that delectable sauce.
Serve with steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad for a pop of color and crunch.

For drinks, a glass of chilled white wine complements the meal wonderfully.
Garnish each serving with fresh parsley for an inviting touch.

FAQs about Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

Wondering more about this scrumptious dish? Here are some frequently asked questions about my Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken that might help you whip it up like a pro!

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

You can absolutely use frozen chicken breasts! Just increase the cooking time to ensure they cook thoroughly. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

How can I store leftovers?

Leftover Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat it gently when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

What can I use instead of French dressing?

If you don’t have French dressing on hand, you can substitute it with a mix of barbecue sauce and a little apple cider vinegar for a unique twist!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prep the chicken and sauce the night before, then store it in the refrigerator. Just pour it into the slow cooker in the morning, and you’re all set for an easy dinner!

What sides pair well with this meal?

This delicious cranberry chicken goes wonderfully with rice or noodles, but feel free to serve it with whole grains like quinoa for a nutty flavor boost!

Final Thoughts

Cooking is more than just feeding our families; it’s about creating moments of joy. My Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken has become a staple, filling our home with delicious smells and happy chatter around the dinner table. I love that it allows me to spend more time with my loved ones without sacrificing flavor. Every bite is a reminder of how simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals. I hope this recipe brings comfort and smiles to your kitchen, making meal times both effortless and delightful. Enjoy every savory morsel and cherish the memories made around the table!