4 Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

Are you searching for a simple, gluten-free dinner that’s full of flavor? This crockpot recipe for tender chicken is perfect. It only needs four ingredients and a little prep. You’ll have a tasty meal ready in no time.

This recipe turns simple ingredients into a delicious feast. Chicken breasts cook to perfection in a mix of French dressing, cranberry sauce, and onion soup mix. In 4-6 hours on low (or 2-3 hours on high), your dinner is ready.

This dish is great with many sides, making it perfect for any event. Try it over rice, with mashed potatoes, or a green salad. It’s also gluten-free with Simply Organic French Onion Packet, fitting different diets.

4 Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken Recipe Overview

This Crock Pot chicken recipe is great for easy meal prep and is loved by families. It’s simple to make and ready in no time. With just four ingredients, you can have a tasty meal ready for your family quickly.

The recipe mixes boneless chicken with a special sauce. It’s made from whole berry cranberry sauce, French dressing, and instant onion soup mix. This mix gives a sweet and tangy taste that everyone will enjoy.

This cranberry chicken dish is not only tasty but also healthy. Cranberries are full of vitamins C and E, and minerals like copper and manganese. They also have antioxidants and may help prevent urinary tract infections.

Looking for an easy weeknight meal or planning a dinner party? This 4 Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken is a hit in any recipe collection.

Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

This 4 Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken recipe is easy to make. You only need four simple items for a tasty meal. The main ingredient is boneless skinless chicken breasts, which get tender and flavorful.

To add flavor, you’ll use French dressing. It brings a tangy kick. Then, grab a can of cranberry sauce. You can choose whole berry or jellied, both work well. The sweet-tart cranberries complement the chicken perfectly.

The last ingredient is onion soup mix. It adds depth and savory notes. If you’re gluten-free, find a gluten-free onion soup mix.

With these four ingredients, you can make a delicious meal. The slow cooker makes it easy, so you can relax while it cooks.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make a tasty cranberry chicken dish? Start by spraying your slow cooker with non-stick spray. This makes it easy to clean and prevents sticking.

Place the chicken at the bottom of your slow cooker. Then, pour cranberry sauce and orange juice over it. This way, the flavors mix well as it cooks.

Choose the right setting on your slow cooker. Cook on high for 2-2.5 hours or low for 3-3.5 hours. The exact time might vary with your cooker model.

Always check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should be 165°F before you serve it. This ensures your dish is both tasty and safe.

After cooking, let the dish rest for a few minutes. This makes the chicken tender and juicy. Now, you can enjoy your easy 4-ingredient slow cooker cranberry chicken!

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

Your 4 Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken is ready to impress! Serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes or your favorite rice for a hearty meal. For a holiday twist, pair it with green beans and stuffing. The tender chicken can be served whole or shredded and mixed with the flavorful sauce.

Got leftovers? No problem! Store your cranberry chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights. For longer storage, turn it into a freezer meal by popping it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger amounts in the oven or slow cooker.

Want to switch things up? Try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result. If you’re craving extra sweetness, mix in some brown sugar, orange marmalade, or a splash of orange juice. Remember, this versatile recipe serves 8, so it’s great for family dinners or meal prep!

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for food safety. If frozen, increase cooking time and check the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it can be made gluten-free by using Simply Organic French Onion Packet. Always check the labels of your other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce works great in this recipe. You can use either whole berry or jellied cranberry sauce, depending on your preference.

How long can I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

While this recipe is designed for a slow cooker, you can adapt it for an Instant Pot. Try cooking on high pressure for about 10-12 minutes, then do a natural release for 5 minutes before quick releasing the remaining pressure.

What can I serve with this Cranberry Chicken?

This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, white or brown rice, stuffing, or green beans. It’s versatile enough to go with many side dishes!

Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts. Keep in mind that thighs may require a slightly longer cooking time and will have a higher fat content.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken once it’s cooked and whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) to the sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Certainly! You can add vegetables like carrots, celery, or onions to the slow cooker for a more complete meal. Just be aware that this may increase the cooking time slightly.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, this Cranberry Chicken is generally kid-friendly due to its sweet and tangy flavor profile. However, every child’s tastes are different, so you may want to try a small portion first.