Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken

Name: Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 1 cup whole cranberry sauce; ½ cup orange juice; 2 tablespoons honey

olivia

Published:

January 4, 2026

Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken served with fresh herbs on a plate

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introduction

This recipe makes a sweet and tangy main dish that cooks itself in the slow cooker. It uses simple food you can find in any store. If you like slow cooker meals, you may also enjoy a warm soup such as Crockpot chicken tortilla soup for another easy meal.

why make this recipe

You make this recipe when you want a warm, bright meal with little work. The sauce uses whole cranberry sauce and orange juice for a fresh taste. It fits well with other easy crockpot chicken dinners for a week of simple food.

how to make Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken

Place the chicken in the crockpot and pour the sauce over it. You can use mix ideas from a different sweet sauce like the 3-ingredient orange chicken to change the flavor. Cook until the meat feels soft and the juice runs clear.

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 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 until chicken is cooked through.
Serve with rice or vegetables.

how to serve Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken

Serve the chicken over white rice, brown rice, or mashed potatoes. For a warm plate with herbs and potatoes, try a side like garlic parmesan crockpot chicken and potatoes. Add a green vegetable for color and a fresh bite.

how to store Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken

Let the chicken cool to room heat for up to two hours. Put the chicken and sauce in a tight container. Keep in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on low heat or in the microwave until hot all the way through.

tips to make Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken

Use chicken thighs for more juice, or use breasts for lean meat. If the sauce is thin at the end, lift the chicken and cook the sauce on high for 15 minutes to thicken. For another flavor twist, see a simple herb and cheese crockpot idea like garlic parmesan crockpot chicken for side ideas.

variation (if any)

Make it with turkey breast if you want a different meat.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or a small squeeze of lime for a different zing.
Stir in chopped nuts or fresh herbs before you serve for texture.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but add 1 hour to the cook time on low. Make sure the meat reaches a safe temperature.

Q: Is whole cranberry sauce sweet or tart?
A: Whole cranberry sauce has both sweet and tart notes. The honey and orange juice make the sauce smooth and bright.

Q: Can I make the sauce on the stove?
A: Yes. Cook the sauce in a pan, then pour it over cooked chicken or add the chicken to the pan to finish. This speeds up the meal.

Q: Can I cut the recipe in half?
A: Yes. Use two chicken pieces and half the sauce amounts. Cook the same way but check the meat for doneness.