Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it before cooking for even results. Starting with thawed chicken ensures the sauce develops the right consistency and the flavors blend well.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?

Absolutely. Dried cranberries add a chewy texture and a slightly sweeter flavor. Use about half the amount and reduce the maple syrup by a tablespoon to balance the sweetness.

How can I make the sauce thicker without cooking it on the stove?

You can whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water, then stir it directly into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It will thicken as it heats.

Crockpot Maple Orange Cranberry Chicken – Sweet, Tangy, and Festive

Description

This Crockpot Maple Orange Cranberry Chicken is a festive, sweet, and tangy slow cooker recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts simmered in maple syrup, orange juice, and fresh cranberries. Perfect for cozy dinners or holiday gatherings, it’s a dish that tastes like comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1/2 cup orange juice

2 tbsp whole grain Dijon mustard

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

Zest of 1 orange

Fresh rosemary sprigs

Orange slices (for serving)

Chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

2. Whisk together maple syrup, orange juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, and orange zest.

3. Place chicken in the crockpot and pour the sauce evenly over the top.

4. Add fresh or frozen cranberries and a few rosemary sprigs for aroma.

5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked.

6. Transfer the sauce to a small saucepan and simmer for a few minutes to thicken.

7. Pour the thickened sauce back over the chicken and garnish with orange slices, cranberries, and chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, substitute boneless thighs instead of breasts.

Add dried cranberries along with the fresh ones for extra texture and color.

For a creamier sauce, whisk in a tablespoon of butter after thickening.

Serve with mashed potatoes, wild rice, or roasted vegetables for a full meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; the flavors deepen overnight.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American Holiday

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Calories: 420
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Crockpot Maple Orange Cranberry Chicken, slow cooker chicken, maple orange chicken, holiday crockpot recipe, festive dinner, cranberry chicken recipe