Cranberry Orange Chicken Delight
Elevate your dining experience with this Cranberry Orange Chicken Delight, where tender chicken simmers in a luscious blend of tart cranberries, sweet orange juice, and warm spices. This crock pot recipe creates a festive dish that is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Serve over fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce and enjoy a homestyle meal that is easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken pieces, skinless
2 lbs (breasts or thighs)
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Oil
2 tablespoons
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon
Salt
2 teaspoons
Pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon
Chicken bouillon granules
2 teaspoons
Orange juice
2 cups
Orange rind
2 teaspoons (grated)
Cranberries
1 lb (uncooked)
Sugar
1/2 cup
Red bell pepper
1/2 (diced)
Yellow bell pepper
1/2 (diced)
Instructions
1
In a large crock pot, add the skinless chicken pieces and spread them evenly.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, Dijon mustard, salt, pumpkin pie spice, chicken bouillon granules, orange juice, and grated orange rind until well combined.
3
Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crock pot, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
4
Add the uncooked cranberries, sugar, and diced bell peppers on top of the chicken mixture.
5
Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
6
Once cooked, shred the chicken if desired, stir the sauce, and serve it over hot cooked rice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of chicken is best for Cranberry Orange Chicken Delight?
You can use either skinless chicken breasts or skinless chicken thighs for this recipe.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen uncooked cranberries; there is no need to thaw them before adding them to the crock pot.
What is the recommended cooking time on the low setting?
The chicken should be cooked on low for 8 to 10 hours until it is tender and fully cooked.
Can I cook this recipe on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook it on high for approximately 4 to 5 hours, though low heat is recommended for the best texture.
What should I serve with this cranberry chicken?
It is best served over hot cooked rice to soak up the delicious cranberry orange sauce.
Do I need to brown the chicken before putting it in the crock pot?
No, the recipe instructions state to add the skinless chicken pieces directly to the crock pot.
What can I substitute for pumpkin pie spice?
If you do not have pumpkin pie spice, you can use a blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
How do I prepare the orange rind?
Use a fine grater or zester to grate 2 teaspoons of the outer orange peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.
Is the sugar necessary in this recipe?
The sugar helps balance the tartness of the fresh cranberries, but you can adjust the amount to your preference.
Should I shred the chicken after it is cooked?
Shredding the chicken is optional; you can serve the pieces whole or shredded depending on your preference.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Yes, bottled orange juice works perfectly fine for this recipe.
What kind of onion should I use?
A medium yellow or white onion, chopped, is recommended for this dish.
Can I add other vegetables?
While the recipe calls for bell peppers and onions, you could also add carrots or celery for extra texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can this recipe be frozen?
Yes, the cooked dish freezes well. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What is the purpose of the Dijon mustard?
Dijon mustard adds a subtle tanginess that complements the sweet and tart flavors of the sauce.
Do I need to add water to the crock pot?
No, the 2 cups of orange juice provide enough liquid for the slow cooking process.
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute the 1/2 cup of sugar with 1/3 cup of honey if you prefer a different sweetener.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, the combination of cranberries, orange, and warm spices makes it a festive dish perfect for holiday gatherings.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
The recipe specifies skinless pieces, but you can use bone-in chicken as long as the skin is removed; cooking time may vary slightly.
What type of bell peppers are used?
The recipe uses a mix of 1/2 red bell pepper and 1/2 yellow bell pepper for color and flavor.
Does the chicken need to be submerged in liquid?
As long as the chicken is well coated with the whisked mixture, it will cook perfectly in the steam and sauce created.
Is this dish spicy?
No, the pumpkin pie spice provides warmth but no heat. It is a sweet and savory dish.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, use the pressure cook setting for 10-15 minutes with a natural release, though the sauce may be thinner.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on 2 lbs of chicken, it typically serves 4 to 6 people.
What if I don't have chicken bouillon granules?
You can substitute the granules and orange juice with 2 cups of chicken broth, though the orange flavor will be less intense.
Should the cranberries be chopped before adding?
No, the cranberries should be added whole and uncooked; they will burst and soften during the cooking process.
Can I use dried cranberries?
Dried cranberries are much sweeter and have a different texture; fresh or frozen are highly recommended for the sauce.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat in a microwave-safe dish or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check your Dijon mustard and chicken bouillon labels to ensure they are certified GF.