Cranberry Sauce Chicken is a deliciously tangy and savory dish that brings a burst of flavor to any meal.
Juicy chicken breasts are perfectly cooked and coated in a rich cranberry sauce, balancing sweetness and zest in every bite.
This easy-to-make recipe combines simple ingredients with minimal effort, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, leaving your taste buds delightfully satisfied.
How To Make Cranberry Sauce Chicken?
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Yield: 4 servings
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Spoon or spatula
- Small bowl (optional, for mixing sauce ingredients)
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 (14-ounce) can whole-berry cranberry sauce
- ⅔ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear on both sides until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits for added flavor.
3. Create the Sauce
Add cranberry sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and dried thyme. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes.
4. Combine and Cook
Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 15–20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Place the chicken with a generous spoonful of the cranberry sauce over your favorite dish.
Nutrition Facts Of Cranberry Sauce Chicken
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fat: 12 g
Which Goes Best With Cranberry Sauce Chicken?
❖ Fluffy Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes balances the sweet-tangy cranberry glaze, soaking up the sauce beautifully.
❖ With Rice: Rice makes a light, neutral base that enhances the flavors of the chicken while letting the sauce shine.
❖ Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans make colorful, nutritious sides that complement the chicken’s rich flavors.
❖ Pasta or Egg Noodles: For a heartier option, toss the cranberry sauce chicken over buttered egg noodles or penne for a comforting meal.
Tips & Variations
✔ Simmer the sauce gently: Allow the cranberry sauce mixture to simmer on low heat so it thickens without burning.
✔ Season gradually: Taste the sauce as you go and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar for balanced flavor.
✔ Spicy Cranberry Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a mild kick.
✔ Orange Cranberry Chicken: Stir in 2–3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice or zest to add a citrusy twist.
✔ Herb-Infused Chicken: Mix in fresh rosemary, sage, or thyme to elevate the flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Yes! Homemade cranberry sauce gives a fresher taste, but canned sauce works perfectly, too.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Sure. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours.
Can I freeze Cranberry Sauce Chicken?
Yes, freeze cooked chicken with sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Cranberry Sauce Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that perfectly blends sweet and savory notes.
With tender chicken and a rich, tangy sauce, it’s a meal that satisfies every palate. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this recipe a standout addition to any dinner table.
Easy Cranberry Sauce Chicken
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Spoon or spatula
- Small bowl (optional, for mixing sauce ingredients)
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 14-ounce can whole-berry cranberry sauce
- ⅔ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear on both sides until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits for added flavor.
- Add cranberry sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and dried thyme. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 15–20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Place the chicken with a generous spoonful of the cranberry sauce over your favorite dish.
Notes
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.