Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken

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Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken served on a plate with herbs and cranberry sauce

introduction

This slow cooker chicken has a bright cranberry glaze. It cooks slow and stays soft. If you like slow meals, also try the crockpot chicken tortilla soup for a warm, easy dinner.

why make this recipe

This dish needs few things and low work. You get sweet and tang taste from cranberries and orange. You can leave the pot while it cooks. For more simple slow cooker ideas, see this list of easy crockpot dinners to plan a week of meals.

how to make Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken

Make the glaze, put it on the chicken, and cook slow. The steps are clear and short. If you want a side with herbs and potatoes, you can use a recipe like garlic parmesan chicken with potatoes to go with it.

Ingredients :

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

Directions :

  1. Place the chicken in the bottom of your crockpot.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, soy sauce, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Pour the glaze mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5โ€“6 hours (or HIGH for 2ยฝโ€“3 hours), until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  5. For a caramelized finish, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet, spoon sauce over the top, and broil for 2โ€“3 minutes.
  6. Garnish with fresh thyme and extra cranberries before serving.

Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken

how to serve Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken

Serve the chicken hot with the sauce spooned on top. Add a green veg or rice to soak the sauce. For a full plate idea, try serving it with a garlic parmesan crockpot chicken and potatoes side.

how to store Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken

Cool the chicken to room temp for up to two hours. Place in a tight container and seal it. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.

tips to make Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken

  • Use chicken thighs for more juice.
  • Stir the glaze well so it is smooth.
  • If you like more sweet or tang, add more honey or orange juice to taste.
  • For a fruity twist, try a glaze like the one in this 3-ingredient orange chicken for a brighter flavor.
  • To check doneness, use a meat thermometer; it should read 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).

variation (if any)

  • Add sliced onions under the chicken for mild flavor.
  • Toss in whole cranberries for more tart bits.
  • Swap soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten free.
  • Use turkey breast or pork loin if you want a change.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: You can, but cook on LOW for 6โ€“7 hours and check the center with a thermometer.

Q: Can I make the glaze ahead?
A: Yes. Make the glaze and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Pour it over the chicken before cook time.

Q: Is this dish sweet or savory?
A: It is both. The cranberry and honey add sweet notes and the soy sauce and mustard add savory depth.

Q: Can I skip the broil step?
A: Yes. Broil gives a light crust, but the chicken will still taste good without it.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes. Put cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge before reheating.

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Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken


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  • Author: olivia
  • Total Time: 375 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

A delicious and easy slow cooker chicken recipe with a bright cranberry glaze that cooks tender and flavorful.


Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken in the bottom of your crockpot.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, soy sauce, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Pour the glaze mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5โ€“6 hours (or HIGH for 2ยฝโ€“3 hours), until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  5. For a caramelized finish, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet, spoon sauce over the top, and broil for 2โ€“3 minutes.
  6. Garnish with fresh thyme and extra cranberries before serving.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for more juiciness. Stir glaze well for a smooth texture. Adjust sweetness by adding more honey or orange juice to taste.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 360 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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