The Ultimate Easy Cranberry Chicken Recipe: Sweet, Tangy & Irresistible Baked Dinner

Indulge in a delightfully moist and tender baked chicken dish, enveloped in a rich, tangy cranberry sauce. This Easy Cranberry Chicken recipe offers a comforting and satisfying dinner solution, perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.

There are some classic recipes that simply stand the test of time, and this Cranberry Chicken is undoubtedly one of them. While the combination of ingredients might initially raise an eyebrow – marrying savory chicken with sweet cranberries, zesty dressing, and a hearty onion soup mix – the resulting flavor profile is nothing short of magical. It’s a dish that consistently receives rave reviews, often disappearing from the dinner table in record time.

This recipe came into my life nearly a decade ago, shared by a dear friend who warned me it was one of those “love it or hate it” dishes. She insisted I just had to try it for myself. The blend of sweet, tart, and savory elements creates an unexpectedly harmonious symphony of flavors that genuinely works. Her sister’s family adored it, making it a regular fixture in their meal rotation. At my friend’s house, it divided the family – half were instant fans, while the other half remained unconvinced. Undeterred, I decided to give it a go.

Upon its debut at my dinner table, this Cranberry Chicken quickly became a beloved staple. The ease of preparation, coupled with its vibrant taste, cemented its place as a family favorite. It delivers a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes, creating a comforting and delicious experience with every bite. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but requires minimal effort, making it ideal for those hectic evenings when you crave something homemade and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why This Cranberry Chicken Recipe is a Must-Try

Beyond its incredible flavor, there are several reasons why this Easy Cranberry Chicken recipe deserves a spot in your weekly meal plan:

• **Effortless Preparation:** With just a few simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, this dish comes together quickly, leaving you more time to enjoy your evening.
• **Unique Flavor Combination:** The unexpected blend of cranberry, French dressing, and onion soup mix creates a truly distinctive and addictive taste that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
• **Family-Friendly:** Despite its gourmet-sounding profile, this dish appeals to a wide range of palates. Even skeptics often become converts after just one bite.
• **Versatile:** It pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, from simple rice to roasted vegetables, allowing you to easily adapt it to your preferences.
• **Comfort Food at its Best:** Warm, tender chicken simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce delivers ultimate comfort, making it perfect for cozy dinners.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cranberry Chicken

For the best results, gathering quality ingredients is key. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with precise measurements.

• Chicken Breasts – I typically opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean protein and quick cooking time. They absorb the sauce wonderfully. If you prefer, bone-in chicken breasts or even chicken thighs can be used, but remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are thoroughly cooked. Chicken thighs, in particular, offer a slightly richer flavor and stay incredibly juicy. For even cooking, consider pounding thicker chicken breasts to a uniform ½-inch thickness.
• Cranberry Sauce – The magic of this recipe relies on using **whole berry cranberry sauce**. The texture from the whole cranberries adds a delightful burst of fruitiness and depth to the sauce that jellied cranberry sauce simply can’t replicate. Look for cans or jars of whole berry cranberry sauce, often found in the preserves or baking aisle of your grocery store.
• Onion Soup Mix – This is a secret weapon that infuses the dish with a robust, savory, umami flavor. You can easily use a store-bought packet of dry onion soup mix (like Lipton or similar brands). For those who prefer to control ingredients or want a fresher taste, making Homemade Onion Soup Mix is a fantastic alternative that works perfectly in this recipe.
• French Dressing – This ingredient might sound unusual, but it’s crucial for the unique tangy-sweet balance of the sauce. French dressing, with its characteristic sweet, savory, and slightly acidic notes, acts as a marinade and a flavor base. It helps to tenderize the chicken and contributes to the beautiful glazed finish. Any standard creamy French dressing will work beautifully here.

How To Prepare Your Delicious Cranberry Chicken

Creating this flavorful Cranberry Chicken is incredibly simple. Follow these straightforward steps for a delicious meal:

1. **Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass casserole dish or baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. **Arrange Chicken:** Place the chicken breasts evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Ensure they are in a single layer to promote even cooking. If using bone-in chicken, arrange them skin-side up for a crispier finish.
3. **Mix the Sauce:** In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, dry onion soup mix, and French dressing. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well integrated and the sauce has a uniform consistency. This ensures all flavors are evenly distributed.
4. **Pour Over Chicken:** Generously pour the prepared cranberry mixture over the chicken breasts in the casserole dish. Make sure each piece of chicken is fully coated with the delicious sauce.
5. **Bake (Covered):** Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step is crucial for trapping moisture, allowing the chicken to steam and become incredibly tender. Bake for approximately 30 minutes.
6. **Bake (Uncovered):** After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Uncovering the dish for the final cooking stage allows the sauce to thicken slightly and caramelize, giving the chicken a beautiful, slightly glazed finish. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) as verified with a meat thermometer, and the juices should run clear.
7. **Rest & Serve:** Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful.

How To Serve Cranberry Chicken

This Easy Cranberry Chicken is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes. Its sweet and tangy sauce complements both simple and more elaborate accompaniments. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

• **Rice Pilaf:** A classic pairing, a fluffy rice pilaf, especially something like Mushroom Rice Pilaf, provides a neutral base that soaks up the flavorful cranberry sauce beautifully. Plain white or brown rice also works well.
• **Roasted Vegetables:** Healthy and delicious, roasted vegetables add a lovely texture and nutritional boost. Roasted Asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or even root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, are excellent choices.
• **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes offer a comforting contrast to the tangy sauce, making for a truly satisfying meal. Sweet potato mash would also be a fantastic option.
• **Fresh Green Salad:** For a lighter meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the chicken.
• **Bread:** Don’t forget something to mop up every last drop of that amazing sauce! Italian Cheese Pull Apart Bread or a simple crusty baguette are perfect.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers of Cranberry Chicken are just as delicious, if not more so, as the flavors have more time to meld. Store any remaining chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave until warmed through, or for best results, place it in a covered oven-safe dish and bake at 300°F (150°C) until heated thoroughly, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick.

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Chicken Every Time

• **Don’t Skimp on Whole Berry Sauce:** The texture and burst of natural sweetness from the whole berries are essential for the sauce’s character. Jellied cranberry sauce will yield a different result.
• **Pound Chicken for Evenness:** If your chicken breasts are very thick, gently pound them to an even thickness (about ½ to ¾ inch). This ensures they cook uniformly and prevents drying out.
• **Check for Doneness:** Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees food safety and perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
• **Customize the Sweetness/Tanginess:** If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, you can add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the sauce mixture. For more tang, a squeeze of fresh orange juice or a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar can be incorporated.
• **Make Ahead:** This dish is fantastic for meal prep! You can assemble the chicken and sauce in the casserole dish ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• **Slow Cooker Variation:** To adapt for a slow cooker, place chicken breasts in the cooker, pour the sauce over, and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.

More Delectable Chicken Dinner Recipes

If you’re a fan of easy and delicious chicken dinners, you’ll love these other recipes from my kitchen:

• Crockpot Cajun Chicken Pasta: A spicy and creamy pasta dish that cooks mostly hands-free in your slow cooker.
• One Pan Chicken Dinner: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor with this all-in-one skillet meal.
• Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas: Cheesy, creamy, and incredibly satisfying enchiladas, perfect for a family meal.
• Mini Chicken Pot Pie: Individual servings of classic comfort food, perfect for portion control or entertaining.
• Chicken Marsala: A sophisticated yet simple dish featuring tender chicken in a rich mushroom and Marsala wine sauce.

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