Can I make this Holiday Cranberry Herb Chicken Feast ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish up to a day in advance. Simply sear the chicken, mix the sauce, and store everything in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready to cook, transfer it all to your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours. The flavors deepen beautifully when prepared ahead of time.

What can I use instead of cranberry sauce?

If you don’t have cranberry sauce, you can use whole cranberry jelly or even fresh cranberries cooked down with a bit of sugar and water. The key is to maintain that balance of tart and sweet which gives the dish its holiday flavor.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs stay moist during slow cooking and absorb the sauce well. If you use bone-in thighs, add an extra 30 minutes to your cook time to ensure they’re fully tender.

How can I make the glaze thicker?

To thicken the glaze, remove the lid for the last 20 minutes of cooking or stir in one teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water. Let it cook uncovered until it reaches your desired consistency.

Holiday Cranberry Herb Chicken Feast – 5-Star Cozy Dinner Magic

Description

This Holiday Cranberry Herb Chicken Feast brings together tender slow-cooked chicken, a sweet-tart cranberry glaze, and aromatic herbs for a festive dinner centerpiece that’s both simple and impressive. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter nights.

Ingredients

2 large boneless chicken breasts, cut into big chunks

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon grated fresh garlic

1 teaspoon ginger

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/2 cup cranberry sauce

1/4 cup apple cider

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon thyme

1 teaspoon rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken breasts into large chunks and season them with salt and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2 minutes on each side until lightly golden.

3. Transfer the chicken to your slow cooker.

4. In a bowl, whisk together garlic, ginger, brown sugar, cranberry sauce, apple cider, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper until smooth.

5. Pour the mixture over the chicken, coating each piece evenly.

6. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and the sauce is glossy.

7. If you prefer a thicker glaze, remove the lid for the last 20 minutes of cooking to allow the sauce to reduce.

8. Serve warm with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables and spoon extra sauce over the top.

Notes

You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken overnight for richer flavor.

Try substituting chicken thighs or turkey breast for a different texture.

Add a splash of orange juice for brightness or stir in cream for a velvety glaze.

For a restaurant-style finish, broil the chicken for 2 minutes before serving to caramelize the glaze.

Serve with sides like roasted carrots, butternut squash soup, or mashed sweet potatoes for a full festive meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American Holiday

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 420
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 45g
Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: Holiday Cranberry Herb Chicken Feast, slow cooker chicken, cranberry chicken recipe, festive dinner, holiday crockpot meal