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
Scale
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.
