Looking for an easy chicken dinner with a delicious sweet and savory flavor? This Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken Breast is tender, juicy, and coated in a flavorful cranberry glaze that makes every bite special.
The slow cooker makes this recipe simple enough for a busy weeknight while the cranberry glaze gives the chicken a beautiful flavor that’s especially perfect for fall, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and holiday family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Cranberry Chicken
- Tender slow-cooked chicken breast
- Sweet and tangy cranberry glaze
- Easy Crockpot preparation
- Minimal hands-on cooking
- Perfect for holiday dinners
- Great for busy weeknights
- Family-friendly comfort food
- Beautiful festive presentation
- Delicious with classic side dishes
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can whole berry cranberry sauce, 14 ounces
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken Breast
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
If the chicken breasts are very thick, gently pound them to a more even thickness so they cook more evenly.
Step 2: Make the Cranberry Glaze
In a medium bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.
Whisk until the ingredients are well combined.
The cranberry sauce provides sweetness and tanginess, while the orange juice adds a bright citrus flavor.
Step 3: Add the Chicken to the Crockpot
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Pour the cranberry mixture evenly over the chicken.
Make sure each piece is coated with the glaze.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the Crockpot and cook on:
LOW for 3–4 hours
or
HIGH for 2–3 hours.
Chicken breast is lean, so avoid cooking it for much longer than necessary.
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Glaze the Chicken
Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the Crockpot.
Spoon some of the cranberry sauce from the slow cooker over the chicken.
For a thicker glaze, transfer some of the cooking liquid to a small saucepan and simmer until slightly reduced.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Spoon additional cranberry glaze over each chicken breast.
Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or your favorite holiday sides.
What Does Cranberry Glazed Chicken Taste Like?
This chicken has a delicious balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
The cranberry sauce creates a fruity glaze that pairs beautifully with tender chicken breast.
Orange juice adds brightness, while Dijon mustard provides a subtle savory tang.
The result is a flavorful chicken dinner that’s especially appealing during the holiday season.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Cranberry Chicken
Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Chicken breasts are lean and can become dry if cooked for too long.
Use an instant-read thermometer and remove the chicken once it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Use Evenly Sized Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts of similar thickness will cook more evenly.
Keep the Lid Closed
Try not to repeatedly open the Crockpot during cooking.
Every time the lid is removed, heat escapes and cooking can take longer.
Make the Glaze Thicker
If you prefer a thicker cranberry glaze, reduce some of the cooking liquid in a saucepan before serving.
Taste the Sauce
Cranberry sauces vary in sweetness and tartness.
Taste the glaze before adding it to the chicken and adjust the balance if needed.
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries?
Yes, but the texture and sauce will be different from using prepared cranberry sauce.
If using frozen cranberries, cook them into a sauce first rather than placing them directly over the chicken.
Can I Use Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Yes.
Turkey breast can work with the same sweet cranberry flavor combination.
Because turkey breast can vary significantly in size, use a meat thermometer to determine when it’s fully cooked.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs?
Absolutely.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a good substitute for chicken breasts and tend to stay juicy during slow cooking.
Cooking time may vary depending on their size.
Can I Use Homemade Cranberry Sauce?
Yes.
Homemade cranberry sauce works beautifully in this recipe.
It’s also a great way to use leftover cranberry sauce after Thanksgiving.
Can I Make This With Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Definitely.
This is one of the easiest ways to transform leftover cranberry sauce into a completely different dinner.
Simply use your leftover cranberry sauce as the base of the glaze.
Can I Add Orange Zest?
Yes.
A little fresh orange zest can add extra citrus flavor and makes the cranberry glaze taste especially bright.
Can I Add Fresh Herbs?
Absolutely.
Fresh rosemary or thyme can complement the cranberry and chicken beautifully.
Easy Variations
Cranberry Orange Chicken
Add extra orange zest and a little fresh orange juice for a stronger citrus flavor.
Cranberry BBQ Chicken
Mix cranberry sauce with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky-sweet variation.
Cranberry Balsamic Chicken
Add a small amount of balsamic vinegar for extra tanginess.
Cranberry Herb Chicken
Add rosemary, thyme, and garlic for a savory holiday-style version.
Creamy Cranberry Chicken
Serve the finished chicken with a small amount of cream sauce for a richer variation.
What to Serve With Cranberry Glazed Chicken
This chicken pairs especially well with classic comfort-food sides.
Try:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Green beans
- Roasted carrots
- Brussels sprouts
- Stuffing
- Wild rice
- Dinner rolls
- Simple green salad
For a holiday dinner, serve the cranberry chicken with mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing, and warm dinner rolls.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes.
You can prepare the cranberry glaze ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook the chicken.
The finished chicken can also be prepared ahead and gently reheated.
How to Store Leftovers
Transfer leftover chicken and glaze to an airtight container.
Refrigerate within 2 hours and enjoy within 3–4 days.
How to Reheat
Reheat the chicken gently in a covered skillet or baking dish.
Add a little cranberry glaze or broth to help keep the chicken moist.
Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave.
Heat until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can You Freeze Cranberry Chicken?
Yes.
Place cooled chicken and some of the cranberry glaze in a freezer-safe container.
Freeze for approximately 2–3 months for best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work very well.
Can I use leftover cranberry sauce?
Absolutely. This recipe is a great way to use leftover Thanksgiving cranberry sauce.
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Yes. Homemade cranberry sauce works perfectly.
What temperature should chicken reach?
Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I use turkey breast?
Yes, although cooking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey breast.
Can I make the glaze thicker?
Yes. Simmer some of the cooking liquid in a saucepan until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Can I add orange?
Yes. Orange juice or fresh orange zest pairs beautifully with cranberry.
Can I add herbs?
Yes. Rosemary and thyme are excellent choices.
What sides go with cranberry chicken?
Mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing, roasted vegetables, and dinner rolls are all excellent choices.
How long do leftovers last?
Refrigerated leftovers are best enjoyed within 3–4 days.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze the chicken with some cranberry glaze for approximately 2–3 months.
Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken Breast Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can whole berry cranberry sauce, 14 ounces
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Whisk cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard together.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Pour the cranberry mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
- Check that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Spoon the cranberry glaze over the chicken.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, vegetables, rice, or your favorite side dishes.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken Breast is an easy way to turn simple chicken into a flavorful and festive dinner.
Tender chicken slowly cooks in a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze with orange and Dijon, creating a delicious combination of savory and fruity flavors.
It’s especially perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, but it’s simple enough to enjoy on an ordinary weeknight too.
If you love Crockpot chicken recipes, slow cooker chicken breast, cranberry recipes, easy holiday dinners, sweet and savory chicken, and comfort food, this recipe is definitely worth saving.
Save this Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Chicken Breast for your next cozy family dinner!