If you’re looking for a dish that’s equal parts festive, comforting, and incredibly easy to pull together, the Cranberry Chicken Recipe is your new weeknight or holiday hero. Juicy chicken breasts are smothered in a tangy-sweet sauce featuring whole berry cranberry sauce, zippy French dressing, and a pop of savory onion soup mix. Every bite is bursting with flavor, the sauce is irresistible, and this chicken pairs just as beautifully with a simple bowl of rice as it does surrounded by holiday sides. Whether you’re craving something vibrant for a last-minute dinner or dazzling your guests at a gathering, this Cranberry Chicken Recipe is the cozy, crave-worthy answer you’ve been waiting for!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of everyday ingredients for this dish, and each one really brings something special to the table. From the punchy pop of cranberry to the savory warmth of dry onion soup mix, nothing is superfluous here—every ingredient helps create the perfect balance of flavors and that gorgeous color!

Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, these provide the juicy, lean base for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Olive Oil: A drizzle helps keep the chicken moist and promotes even browning as it bakes.
Salt and Black Pepper: Just the right touch of seasoning brings out the best in your chicken and balances the sauce.
Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: This is the star of the show; it brings tanginess, sweetness, and the prettiest jewel-red hue.
French or Russian Dressing: Adds rich, creamy flavor and a little extra sweetness with a hint of acidity.
Dry Onion Soup Mix: The secret weapon for deep, savory, all-day-roasted flavor in seconds.
Apple Cider Vinegar (optional): A splash brightens everything up and balances the sweetness (especially nice if you love a tangy note).
Garlic Powder: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the sauce.
Fresh Thyme or Parsley (for garnish): A sprinkle of green at the end makes the dish feel fresh and special.

How to Make Cranberry Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple step ensures your chicken won’t stick, and makes cleanup a breeze—your future self will thank you!

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper. This is that tiny but important step to lock in flavor right from the beginning, and helps every piece of chicken taste fantastic on its own before it even meets that gorgeous sauce.

Step 3: Mix Up the Magic Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, French (or Russian) dressing, dry onion soup mix, apple cider vinegar (if using), and garlic powder. In no time, you’ll have a sweet, zesty, and aromatic sauce that looks and smells like the definition of delicious! This is where so much of the Cranberry Chicken Recipe’s signature flavor comes to life.

Step 4: Assemble Everything

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cranberry mixture evenly over the top, making sure each chicken piece is well-coated. The sauce will do its job of keeping everything juicy and infusing the meat with layers of flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. This traps in moisture, so the chicken stays nice and tender. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened—the smell at this point will make it very hard to wait!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

When the chicken is finished, take it out of the oven and scatter over fresh thyme or parsley leaves. The pop of green is inviting, and the herbal note really livens up the final dish. Serve immediately (and watch it vanish).

How to Serve Cranberry Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A handful of chopped fresh parsley or sprigs of thyme is all you need for a colorful, aromatic finish. These herbs look gorgeous against the glossy cranberry glaze, and they complement the dish’s flavors without overwhelming them.

Side Dishes

This Cranberry Chicken Recipe loves classic sides! Pile it onto fluffy white or brown rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even nutty quinoa to soak up every last drop of sauce. For a holiday vibe, roasted sweet potatoes, green beans, or a mixed greens salad are also wonderful alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, slice the chicken breasts and arrange them over a platter of rice, then drizzle with extra sauce and finish with a flourish of fresh herbs. For individual servings, try layering slices atop creamy mashed potatoes in a shallow bowl for that bistro-chic “supper in a bowl” effect. You can even tuck leftover chicken into a sandwich or wrap for a festive lunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Cranberry Chicken Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, and you’ll love how the flavors continue to meld and deepen overnight.

Freezing

This dish actually freezes very well! Let everything cool completely, then pack individual portions or the whole lot into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish and warm gently in a 325°F oven until heated through, or microwave portions on medium power to preserve moisture. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back its luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra tenderness and richness. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed, since they can be a bit thicker or fattier than breasts.

Is this Cranberry Chicken Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if your onion soup mix and dressing are certified gluten-free, the whole dish is naturally gluten-free! Always check product labels if you’re cooking for dietary needs.

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?

Definitely! Homemade whole berry cranberry sauce works perfectly here, especially if you like to control the amount of sugar or want to use up leftovers.

What can I substitute for French or Russian dressing?

In a pinch, Catalina or Italian dressing can step in, though the flavor profile will shift a bit. You could even whisk together ketchup, a little mayo, and vinegar for a quick homemade dressing if needed.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken is safe to eat when it hits an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The best way to check is with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. The juices should also run clear when you cut into it.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you’ve tasted how effortlessly vibrant and satisfying this Cranberry Chicken Recipe is, you’ll want to keep it in your regular dinner rotation. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, brightens up the table, and never fails to make everyone ask for seconds. Give it a try and let it become the new favorite at your place!

Cranberry Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cranberry Chicken recipe combines the savory flavors of tender chicken breasts with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a holiday gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cranberry Sauce:

1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
1/2 cup French or Russian dressing
1 packet (1 ounce) dry onion soup mix
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Garnish:

Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Prepare the Cranberry Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, dressing, onion soup mix, apple cider vinegar (if using), and garlic powder until well combined.
Bake: Place the seasoned chicken in the baking dish and pour the cranberry mixture evenly over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving.