Are you ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience? Imagine tender, juicy chicken infused with a tantalizing blend of sweet cranberry and savory seasonings, slow-cooked to perfection. This Cranberry Chicken Slow Cooker recipe is not just a meal—it's a flavor adventure that will have your family begging for seconds and your dinner guests asking for the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients:
- 5 lbs of chicken thighs, 1 cup of cranberry sauce, 1/2 cup of chopped onion, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare your slow cooker by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly spaced out.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, chopped onion, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture until well combined.
- Pour the cranberry sauce mixture over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, ensuring that the chicken is well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. This low and slow method will allow the chicken to become tender and flavorful.
- After 4 hours, check the chicken for doneness. It should be tender and easily shredded with a fork. If needed, you can cook it for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your slow cooker model.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a serving platter. You can shred the chicken if desired or serve the thighs whole.
- Stir the remaining sauce in the slow cooker to combine the flavors. You can serve this sauce over the chicken or on the side.
- Garnish the dish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot with your choice of sides, such as rice or steamed vegetables.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for bone-in chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness. The dark meat ensures the chicken stays moist during the long cooking process.
- Sauce Consistency Matters: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with the cranberry sauce before adding to the slow cooker.
- Fresh vs. Canned Cranberry Sauce: While this recipe works great with canned cranberry sauce, homemade sauce can elevate the dish's flavor profile.
- Temperature Check: Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated overnight before cooking, making meal prep a breeze.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with fluffy rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables to complete your meal.
- Leftovers Tip: This chicken tastes even better the next day and makes an excellent filling for sandwiches or salads.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 140mg
