Description
This Cranberry Chicken recipe is a sweet, tangy, and savory dish that’s perfect for weeknights or holiday dinners. Juicy chicken breasts are baked in a flavorful cranberry sauce made with whole berry cranberry sauce, tangy dressing, and onion soup mix, resulting in a simple yet elegant main course that pairs beautifully with rice, potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 cup French or Russian salad dressing
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer inside the dish.
- Make the cranberry sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, French or Russian salad dressing, and dry onion soup mix. Stir until the mixture is evenly blended to create a rich, tangy sauce.
- Coat the chicken: Pour the prepared cranberry sauce over the chicken breasts, turning them gently to ensure they are completely coated with the sauce, infusing flavor throughout.
- Bake the chicken: Bake the chicken breasts uncovered in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes. Cook until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened.
- Serve and garnish: Spoon some of the sauce from the baking dish over the chicken breasts before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Notes
- This recipe can also be adapted for a slow cooker; cook on low for 4–5 hours until chicken is tender.
- Chicken thighs work well as an alternative to chicken breasts for juicier meat.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the sauce for an added layer of flavor.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be shredded for use in wraps or sandwiches.
