introduction

This recipe makes warm, sweet, and tangy chicken in a slow pot. It works well for a week night or a small meal with friends. Try it when you want an easy main dish that still feels a bit special. You can serve it with sides like pasta from the best crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe for a full meal.

why make this recipe

You can make this dish with few steps and little time at the stove. The sauce uses pantry items and whole cranberry sauce for a bright taste. It makes the chicken soft and full of flavor. If you like warm comfort food like crockpot chicken and rice, you will like this one too.

how to make Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken

Place the chicken in the crockpot and cover with the sauce. Let the pot cook slowly so the sauce can soak into the meat. If you want a crisp top, move the cooked chicken to a hot oven for a short time. You can use the same slow cook steps as in the crockpot chicken tortilla soup method when you set heat and time.

Ingredients :

4 boneless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup whole cranberry sauce
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
Fresh thyme for garnish

Directions :

Place the chicken in the bottom of your crockpot.
In a bowl, whisk cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, soy sauce, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the glaze over the chicken and make sure each piece is coated.
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or on HIGH for 2½–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
For a caramelized finish, move the chicken to a baking sheet, spoon sauce over the top, and broil for 2–3 minutes.
Garnish with fresh thyme and extra cranberries before you serve.

how to serve Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken

Serve this chicken with rice or soft noodles and a green side. The sauce makes a nice top on mashed potatoes or roasted veg. For a roast-style side idea, see the maple glazed roast chicken for a sweet match.

how to store Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken

Put cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight box. Keep it in the fridge up to 3 days. You can freeze it for up to 2 months in a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge and warm on low in a pot or in the oven.

tips to make Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken

Use chicken that is not too thick so it cooks all the way through.
Stir the sauce well so it is smooth before you pour it on.
If you want less sweet, use a bit less honey or add a splash more soy sauce.
For a very quick glaze idea, look at the simple 3-ingredient orange chicken for a quick swap of flavors.

variation (if any)

Use chicken thighs for more fat and a moister bite.
Add a splash of balsamic for a deeper tang.
Stir in chopped apples or pears for a fall feel.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes. Cook time will rise. It is best to thaw first so you keep a safe cook time.

Q: Can I make the sauce on the stove and use it later?
A: Yes. Make the sauce and keep it in the fridge for two days. Warm it before you pour on the chicken.

Q: Can I use low sugar cranberry sauce?
A: Yes. It will be less sweet. Taste the sauce and add a little honey if you want more sweet.

Q: Do I need to brown the chicken first?
A: No. You do not need to brown it. Browning adds flavor but is not needed for this dish.

Q: Can I make this in the oven instead?
A: Yes. Bake at 375°F in a covered pan for about 30–40 minutes, then broil to finish the top if you want a glaze crust.

Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken