Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken is a wonderful mix of tangy cranberry sauce and tender, juicy chicken all cooked low and slow until everything is perfectly melded. The cranberries bring a fresh, slightly sweet flavor that balances nicely with the savory chicken, making it a unique and tasty meal.
I love how easy this dish is to prepare — just toss the chicken and cranberry sauce into the slow cooker and let it do its magic. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but doesn’t require a lot of hands-on time, which makes it perfect for busy days or relaxed weekends at home. Plus, the leftovers taste just as good, if not better!
My favorite way to enjoy this cranberry chicken is over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside some roasted veggies. It’s also fantastic served with a bit of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices. Whenever I make this dish, it always brings smiles and requests for seconds, so it’s definitely a recipe I keep coming back to.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken lets the flavors soak in well. If you prefer, you can swap for thighs—they stay moist and add richness.
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen both work great. If cranberries aren’t available, try substituting with tart cherries or pomegranate seeds for that bright, fruity touch.
Cranberry sauce: Whole berry sauce adds texture, while jellied sauce gives a smooth finish. Use whichever you like best or have on hand.
Brown sugar and orange juice: These create a nice sweet and tangy balance. For a lower-sugar option, reduce brown sugar or use maple syrup instead.
How Do You Make Sure the Chicken Stays Tender and Juicy in the Slow Cooker?
Slow cookers can dry out chicken if cooked too long. Here’s how to keep it perfect:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for even cooking.
- Cook on low heat for 4-5 hours; this gentle temperature helps retain moisture.
- Avoid opening the lid too often—every peek lets heat escape and lengthens cooking time.
- Make sure there’s enough sauce to cover the chicken slightly; the liquid keeps your chicken juicy.
- After cooking, let the chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes to soak up flavors before serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – it gently cooks the chicken and cranberries low and slow for tender, flavorful results.
- Mixing bowl – handy for combining the cranberry sauce and other ingredients before adding to the slow cooker.
- Measuring cups and spoons – help you get the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for chopping onions, garlic, and herbs quickly and safely.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring the sauce and scraping down the bowl without damaging your cookware.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs for juicier meat with a richer flavor, perfect when you want a more tender bite.
- Add chopped apples or pears into the slow cooker for a touch of natural sweetness and extra texture.
- Stir in a teaspoon of cinnamon or ground ginger to give the dish a warm, seasonal twist that pairs beautifully with cranberries.
- Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts before serving for a nice crunch and nutty flavor contrast.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken and Sauce:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and then cooks in the slow cooker for approximately 4 to 5 hours on low heat. You can speed it up by cooking on high for 2 to 3 hours if you’re short on time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Arrange the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker. This gives a nice base for the sauce and cranberries to cook in.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce, brown sugar, orange juice, ketchup, soy sauce, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until the ingredients combine into a flavorful sauce.
3. Add Sauce and Cranberries:
Pour this sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Next, sprinkle the fresh or frozen cranberries on top. These will soften and add beautiful bursts of tartness to the dish.
4. Season and Cook:
Sprinkle the chopped rosemary over the top for a lovely herbal note. Cover the slow cooker with its lid, and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Finish and Serve:
After cooking, gently stir the sauce and cranberries to coat the chicken in the rich, tangy sauce. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprig of rosemary. It pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Enjoy your delicious, tender slow cooker cranberry chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the chicken completely before adding it to the slow cooker. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for quicker thawing. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
Can I Substitute Cranberries If I Don’t Have Fresh or Frozen?
You can use dried cranberries or even tart cherries if fresh or frozen aren’t available. Keep in mind dried cranberries are sweeter, so reduce the brown sugar slightly to balance flavors.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover cranberry chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the sauce mixture and assemble the slow cooker the night before. Just cover and refrigerate, then cook the next day as directed. It’s great for busy weeknights or meal prep.
