This sweet and savory cranberry chicken is one of those effortless slow cooker meals that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Juicy chicken slowly simmers in a glossy cranberry sauce that’s tangy, slightly sweet, and deeply comforting. It’s perfect for busy weekdays, cozy Sunday dinners, or even a festive holiday table.
History & Inspiration
Cranberries have been a staple in North American cooking for centuries, especially in the United States and Canada. Native Americans were the first to use cranberries in food and medicine long before European settlers arrived. Over time, cranberries became strongly associated with holiday meals, especially Thanksgiving.
One of the largest cranberry producers today is Ocean Spray, founded in 1930. Their cranberry products helped popularize sweet-and-savory cranberry sauces used in modern recipes like this one. Slow cooker cranberry chicken likely evolved from classic cranberry sauce traditions paired with poultry, making it an easy everyday version of a holiday favorite.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
1/2 cup French dressing or Catalina dressing
1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar (if you prefer it sweeter)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Lightly grease your slow cooker.
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, French dressing, onion soup mix, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is well coated.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once done, spoon extra sauce over the chicken before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over white rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. It also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or green beans.
Tips for Success
Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
For a festive twist, add a handful of dried cranberries or a splash of orange juice.
Benefits
High in protein from the chicken.
Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
Minimal prep time makes it perfect for busy days.
Family-friendly flavor that’s not too overpowering.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. With just a few pantry ingredients and almost no prep work, you get a comforting meal that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for any weeknight. Once you try it, it may become a regular in your dinner rotation.