If you’re searching for a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and incredibly simple to prepare, you’ve got to try this Cranberry Chicken Recipe. This delightful meal brings together the tangy sweetness of whole-berry cranberry sauce, the savory depth of onion soup mix, and the zesty kick of Catalina salad dressing, creating a perfect harmony that makes every bite unforgettable. With tender chicken thighs slow-baked to juicy perfection, this recipe is a fantastic way to impress family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but pack a flavorful punch that transforms simple chicken into a dish full of character. Each component adds a unique layer—whether it’s the sweet-tart cranberry sauce or the savory seasoning from the dry onion soup mix, making this recipe both delicious and easy to assemble.
- 8 ounce bottle Catalina salad dressing: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet base that melds beautifully with the other ingredients.
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix (about 1.25 ounce): Brings a savory, rich onion flavor that enhances the chicken’s taste tremendously.
- 15 ounce can whole-berry cranberry sauce: Provides that signature fruity sweetness and texture that defines this dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle heat to balance the sweet and savory elements—feel free to adjust to your spice preference.
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: Perfectly tender and juicy, ideal for soaking up all those incredible flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing the overall flavor.
How to Make Cranberry Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cooking Space
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This simple prep step ensures your chicken won’t stick and makes for easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the Catalina salad dressing, dry onion soup mix, whole-berry cranberry sauce, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything until well blended. This sauce is the star of the show, delivering tang, sweetness, and a hint of spice all at once.
Step 3: Season and Arrange the Chicken
Season the boneless skinless chicken thighs on both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper. Then, place them in the baking dish in a single layer. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, turning each piece so it’s fully coated in that luscious mixture.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfection
Place the dish uncovered in your preheated oven and bake for about an hour. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it’s safe to eat and remains juicy. During this time, the sauce thickens and caramelizes slightly, soaking into every bite.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, serve the chicken thighs with plenty of the cranberry sauce spooned over the top. It’s delicious paired with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even buttery noodles to soak up the sauce. This step is where your Cranberry Chicken Recipe truly comes alive on the plate.
How to Serve Cranberry Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh and colorful touch, try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the chicken just before serving. A few whole cranberries or a slice of orange can brighten the presentation and tie the flavors back to the sauce’s fruity harmony.
Side Dishes
Think comforting and simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or buttery egg noodles. These will complement the sweet and savory notes of your Cranberry Chicken Recipe without overpowering it. A crisp side salad also balances the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve the chicken carved over a bed of wild rice mixed with dried cranberries and toasted nuts. You can even prepare individual portions in small baking dishes for an elegant presentation that feels special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover Cranberry Chicken Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh for up to four days, making it a perfect meal to enjoy again without extra fuss.
Freezing
This dish freezes well! Store cooked chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently either in the oven at 325°F until heated through or in the microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or broth when reheating helps keep the sauce silky and rich.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful in this Cranberry Chicken Recipe. If using breasts, watch the cooking time closely to prevent drying out.
Is it necessary to use the dry onion soup mix?
While the dry onion soup mix adds a wonderful savory depth, you can experiment with other seasoning blends like garlic powder and onion powder combined with herbs if you prefer homemade seasoning.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
This exact recipe is chicken-based, but you could try roasting firm tofu or hearty vegetables like cauliflower with the cranberry sauce blend for a vegetarian alternative that still delivers great flavor.
What type of cranberry sauce works best?
Whole-berry cranberry sauce is recommended because it keeps a nice texture and sweetness that complements the tangy dressing. Smooth cranberry sauce could be used but the texture will differ.
Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Mix the sauce as per the recipe, place seasoned chicken thighs in the slow cooker, pour the sauce over them, and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Chicken Recipe is the kind of dish that turns everyday meals into special occasions effortlessly. With minimal prep and ingredients you likely already have, it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that invites warmth and comfort to your dinner table. I encourage you to give it a try—once you taste that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, it just might become one of your favorite go-to recipes too!
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Cranberry Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cranberry Chicken recipe features tender, juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs baked in a tangy and slightly sweet sauce made from Catalina salad dressing, dry onion soup mix, and whole-berry cranberry sauce. The dish combines savory and fruity flavors, enhanced with optional red pepper flakes for a mild kick. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 8 ounce bottle Catalina salad dressing
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix (about 1.25 ounce)
- 15 ounce can whole-berry cranberry sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Chicken
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the Catalina dressing, dry onion soup mix, whole-berry cranberry sauce, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed, then pour the sauce into the prepared baking dish.
- Season and Arrange Chicken: Season the chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper. Arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish. Turn the chicken pieces in the sauce to coat all sides well for maximum flavor infusion.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 1 hour, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the cranberry-glazed chicken along with the sauce over your choice of rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles for a hearty and delicious meal.
Notes
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
- Using boneless skinless chicken thighs ensures tenderness and even cooking.
- You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your desired spice level or omit if preferred.
- This dish pairs well with simple sides like steamed vegetables, salad, or crusty bread.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
