Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

The exact original recipe in the image cannot be confirmed, but this recipe closely matches the ingredients and preparation shown.

 Ingredients

Chicken

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs — about 2½–3 lb
• 1 can (14 oz/397 g) whole-berry cranberry sauce
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp orange juice
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt

Optional

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary or thyme
• ¼ cup dried cranberries for extra texture

 Method

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season lightly with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
2. Make the cranberry sauce: In a bowl, mix cranberry sauce, chicken broth, orange juice, orange zest, honey, Dijon mustard and thyme.
3. Add chicken: Place the chicken in the slow cooker in a single layer.
4. Pour the sauce: Spoon the cranberry mixture evenly over the chicken.
5. Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
6. Check doneness: Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
7. Rest: Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
8. Serve: Spoon the warm cranberry sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh herbs.

 Recipe Details

• Prep: 10–15 minutes
• Cooking: 4–5 hours LOW / 2–3 hours HIGH
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty: Easy

 Nut & Allergen Information

• Peanuts: None required.
• Tree nuts: None required.
• Dairy: None required.
• Egg: None required.
• Gluten: Naturally gluten-free, but check the Dijon mustard, broth and cranberry sauce labels.
• Soy: Usually none, but check packaged ingredients if necessary.

Approximate Nutrition

Per serving, depending on chicken cut and sauce:

• Calories: 330–400 kcal
• Protein: 35–45 g
• Carbohydrates: 30–40 g
• Fat: 5–12 g
• Fiber: 2–3 g

 Q&A

Q: Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Thighs stay particularly juicy in the slow cooker.

Q: Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Absolutely. Use about 1¾ cups of thick cranberry sauce.

Q: Can I make it less sweet?
Yes. Reduce or omit the honey/maple syrup.

Q: Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Carrots or sliced onions work well. Add them underneath the chicken.

Q: What should I serve with it?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice or green beans pair well.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate within 2 hours in a covered container and use within 3–4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.