If you’re looking for a vibrant and comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor, this Cranberry Chicken Bake Recipe is going to steal the show at your dinner table. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts soaking up a tangy-sweet sauce made from whole berry cranberry sauce, a hint of garlic, and a touch of brown sugar, all baked to perfection in one simple dish. It’s not just easy to make; it’s a beautiful balance of savory and fruity that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe brings warmth and excitement to any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cranberry Chicken Bake Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each playing a unique role in creating that irresistible flavor. From the tangy cranberry sauce to the spices that add just the right hint of warmth, every item contributes to the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce (14 oz.): Provides a rich, fruity base with delightful texture from the berries.
- Olive oil (¼ cup): Adds richness and helps meld the flavors together smoothly.
- Apple cider vinegar (3 tbsp): Introduces a gentle acidity that brightens the entire dish.
- Minced garlic (3 cloves): Infuses a savory depth that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Dried minced onion (2 tbsp): Adds subtle savory notes enhancing the sauce complexity.
- Light brown sugar (2 tbsp, packed): Lends a caramel-like sweetness that balances the tartness.
- Dried parsley flakes (½ tsp): Brings a mild herbaceous flavor and a splash of green.
- Onion powder (½ tsp): Boosts the savory base without overpowering.
- Paprika (½ tsp): Adds a gentle smoky warmth and lovely color.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors, creating a well-rounded taste.
- Ground black pepper (½ tsp): Offers a subtle peppery kick for balance.
- Chicken breasts (4, boneless and skinless): The tender protein soaking up all those mouthwatering flavors.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of vibrant green to finish.
- Cooked rice (for serving): Perfect for soaking up the saucy goodness.
How to Make Cranberry Chicken Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures it’s nice and hot, ready to gently cook the chicken breasts through while allowing the sauce to thicken and caramelize beautifully. Don’t forget to grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to keep your bake from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Now comes the flavorful heart of the recipe: the cranberry sauce mixture. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, dried minced onion, light brown sugar, dried parsley flakes, onion powder, paprika, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly until the sauce is smooth, luscious, and perfectly combined. This sauce is where all the magic happens, creating a beautiful balance between tangy, sweet, and savory.
Step 3: Arrange the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a single layer within your prepared baking dish. A single layer ensures even cooking and lets the sauce envelop each piece just right, allowing the cranberry flavor to soak in all the way through.
Step 4: Pour the Sauce
Pour the cranberry sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure every piece is generously coated. This ensures each bite bursts with flavor and the sauce can work its magic as the chicken bakes.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Bake your dish in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. You want the sauce to bubble merrily around the chicken, thickening and caramelizing, while the chicken hits that ideal 165°F internal temperature—making it safe, juicy, and tender.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your chicken is out of the oven, spoon some of that luscious cranberry sauce over each breast and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the warm, saucy chicken over a bed of fluffy cooked rice that will soak up every last bit of sauce, creating a satisfying and hearty meal the whole family will adore.
How to Serve Cranberry Chicken Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is an easy but beautiful garnish that adds a burst of color and a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that brightens the dish. For an extra festive touch, you might also scatter some toasted pecans or a few pomegranate seeds on top for a little crunch and jewel-like sparkle.
Side Dishes
This Cranberry Chicken Bake Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides to round out the meal. Try steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp garden salad. The mild sides let the cranberry’s tangy sweetness shine and provide a pleasant balance of textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner, serve the chicken sliced on a platter with extra sauce drizzled over the top, garnished with parsley and sliced green onions. Alternatively, serve it family-style in the baking dish, inviting everyone to dig in warm and cozy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cranberry sauce actually tastes even better after sitting overnight as flavors deepen and meld. Leftover chicken is best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish by placing cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve the texture and flavors of the chicken and sauce.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F or in the microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help keep the sauce nice and saucy, preventing the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely before baking. Cooking from frozen will affect the cooking time and may lead to uneven cooking.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! All ingredients in the Cranberry Chicken Bake Recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on processed items like cranberry sauce to be certain.
Can I substitute chicken breasts with another cut of chicken?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can add more juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time as thighs might take a little longer to cook through.
How tangy is the cranberry flavor in this recipe?
The cranberry sauce provides a wonderfully balanced tangy-sweet flavor that complements rather than overwhelms the chicken. The addition of brown sugar and vinegar creates a perfect harmony.
Can I prepare the cranberry sauce mixture ahead of time?
Definitely! Mixing the sauce a few hours or a day ahead allows flavors to meld even more. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to use.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that’s as easy to prepare as this Cranberry Chicken Bake Recipe yet tastes so special. It’s a wonderful way to brighten up your dinner routine and impress anyone lucky enough to sit at your table. So go ahead, try this recipe and watch it quickly become one of your favorite comfort meals that marries sweet and savory in the most delightful way.
Print
Cranberry Chicken Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cranberry Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts baked in a flavorful, tangy cranberry sauce made with apple cider vinegar, garlic, and a blend of spices. Perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness from brown sugar and rich notes from olive oil, this dish is easy to prepare and makes a delicious, comforting meal served over rice.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz.) can whole berry cranberry sauce
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
Garnish & Serving
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set it aside to prepare for the chicken.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, dried minced onion, light brown sugar, dried parsley flakes, onion powder, paprika, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a smooth, flavorful sauce.
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer inside the prepared baking dish, ensuring they have enough space for even cooking.
- Pour the Sauce: Evenly pour the cranberry sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is fully coated to maximize flavor absorption during baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes. Bake until the sauce is bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), confirming it is safely cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, spoon any extra sauce over the chicken and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. Serve the cranberry chicken warm over a bed of cooked rice to complete the meal.
Notes
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can cook the sauce separately on the stovetop to reduce it before pouring it over the chicken.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a low-sodium option, reduce the amount of salt added to the sauce.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice fresh finish but can be omitted if unavailable.
