introduction

This recipe makes sweet and tangy chicken in a slow pot. It cooks slow and stays soft. You can make it for a week night or for guests. For more slow cook ideas, see the best crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe which also makes a simple meal.

why make this recipe

You make this dish because it needs few parts and little work. The sauce uses jarred cranberry sauce and orange juice. The crockpot does the rest. If you like one pot meals, try a warm bowl like crockpot chicken and rice for another easy cook.

how to make Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken

Place the chicken in the crockpot. Mix the sauce in a bowl. Pour the sauce on the chicken. Cook low or high until the chicken is soft. You can stir the sauce once in the middle of cook time if you like. If you want a bright sweet note, use a recipe like 3-ingredient orange chicken to learn a quick glaze trick.

Ingredients :

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup whole cranberry sauce
½ cup orange juice
2 tablespoons honey

Directions :

Place chicken in the crockpot.
In a bowl, mix the cranberry sauce, orange juice, and honey.
Pour the mixture over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Serve the chicken with the glaze over rice or vegetables.

how to serve Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken

Serve the chicken over white rice, brown rice, or near steamed green veg. Spoon the glaze on top of the chicken for more taste. For a roast style side, try the sweet touch seen in maple glazed roast chicken as a side idea.

how to store Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken

Let the chicken cool to room temp. Put it in a sealed box or bag. Keep it in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. For longer keep, freeze the chicken in a tight bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before warm up.

tips to make Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken

Use boneless thighs for more juiciness.
If you like a thick glaze, lift the lid and cook on high for 15 minutes at the end.
Stir once if you want the sauce to spread well.
For a spicy hint, add a small pinch of red pepper flakes.
For other simple crockpot ideas, see crockpot chicken tortilla soup for a warm bowl with bold taste.

variation (if any)

Use chicken breasts if you want less fat.
Add sliced onions or whole garlic for more depth.
Mix in a little soy sauce for a salt touch.
Swap honey for maple syrup to change the sweet note.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes. Cook time will rise. Use low for 7-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Make sure the meat reaches safe heat.

Q: Can I make the glaze on the stove?
A: Yes. Pour the sauce into a pot and cook low until it thickens. Then pour on the cooked chicken.

Q: Is the sauce very sweet?
A: It is sweet with a bit of tang from the orange. You can cut the sugar by using less honey.

Q: Can I use fresh cranberries?
A: Yes. Cook the berries with sugar until soft and mash them before use.

Q: How do I reheat the chicken?
A: Warm it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) or in a hot pan. You can also heat it in the microwave in short bursts.