Description

This Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a tangy and flavorful cranberry sauce mixture, all slow-cooked to perfection for an easy, delicious meal. The dish is enhanced by a savory onion soup mix, garlic, and soy sauce, creating a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Ideal for a comforting dinner that requires minimal preparation and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce

1 cup cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
1 packet onion soup mix (about 1 oz)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper

Additional

1 cup chicken broth
Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring they are spread out evenly.
Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, onion soup mix, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Add Sauce to Chicken: Pour the cranberry sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, making sure that all chicken pieces are well covered with sauce.
Add Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth around the chicken breasts inside the slow cooker to help keep the meat moist and enhance the cooking process.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easy to shred with a fork.
Check Doneness: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender by testing with a fork. It should easily shred without resistance.
Shred the Chicken (Optional): For a more consistent texture throughout the dish, shred the chicken breast pieces directly in the sauce using two forks.
Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for an added pop of color and fresh flavor before serving. Enjoy your comforting slow cooker cranberry chicken!

Notes

Using canned cranberry sauce saves time, but homemade cranberry sauce can add a fresher taste.
Adjust the cooking time depending on your slow cooker model for optimal tenderness.
The shredded chicken can be served over rice, mashed potatoes, or with vegetables for a wholesome meal.
For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and simmer the liquid on the stovetop until it reduces.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the cranberry sauce slightly or balance with a bit more soy sauce.