Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. If you do cook it from frozen, add an extra 45 minutes to the total cook time on LOW.

Can I make this recipe with pork or turkey instead?

Absolutely. Boneless pork chops or turkey breasts both work beautifully with the cranberry and onion sauce. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, about 4–5 hours on LOW for pork and 6 hours for turkey.

What can I use instead of honey?

If you don’t have honey, try pure maple syrup for a similar natural sweetness. Brown sugar also works but adds a slightly deeper flavor.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes. If using dried cranberries, add an extra ¼ cup of chicken broth to balance the texture since dried fruit absorbs more liquid.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Remove the chicken when it’s fully cooked, then stir 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water into the sauce. Cook on HIGH for about 10–15 minutes until it thickens slightly, then return the chicken to the pot.

Crockpot Chicken with Cranberries & Caramelized Onions Recipe

Name: Crockpot Chicken with Cranberries & Caramelized Onions
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491273H52M14S
Total time: PT-491273H52M14S
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 2 large onions, thinly sliced; 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 2 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tbsp butter

Description

Crockpot Chicken with Cranberries & Caramelized Onions is a cozy, sweet, and savory slow cooker meal. Juicy chicken simmers with tart cranberries, buttery onions, and a honey-balsamic glaze — perfect for easy holidays or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts

2 large onions, thinly sliced

1 cup fresh or dried cranberries

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup chicken broth

2 tbsp honey

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tsp dried thyme

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat and slowly cook the sliced onions until golden and caramelized, about 15–20 minutes.

2. Place the chicken into the crockpot and season with salt, black pepper, and thyme.

3. Spoon the caramelized onions over the chicken, then add the cranberries and minced garlic.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, honey, and balsamic vinegar, then pour the mixture over everything in the crockpot.

5. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours until the chicken is tender and infused with flavor.

6. Spoon the glossy cranberry-onion sauce over the chicken before serving.

Notes

To store: Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the sauce thickens.

For a festive variation, use fresh cranberries and finish with a sprinkle of orange zest before serving.

Delicious served with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 hrs
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 410
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: crockpot chicken cranberries onions, slow cooker chicken dinner, honey balsamic chicken, holiday chicken crockpot, sweet savory chicken recipe