Slow Cooker Cranberry Citrus Chicken
Elevate your holiday meals with this Slow Cooker Cranberry Citrus Chicken. Perfect for those hectic shopping days, this dish combines tender chicken breasts with a delightful medley of fresh cranberries and zesty orange juice. The warm spices of cinnamon and ginger create a fragrant aroma that will linger in your home, while the sweetness of brown sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries. Simply set it in your crockpot before you head out, and return to a delicious meal ready to be served over rice or couscous, paired with your favorite seasonal vegetables. Whether you're hosting guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish embodies the spirit of the holidays with minimal effort.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
6 (none)
small onion
1 (chopped)
fresh cranberries
1 cup (may be frozen (do not thaw))
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (none)
ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon (none)
brown sugar
3 tablespoons (none)
orange juice
1 cup (none)
all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (none)
cold water
2 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
In a large slow cooker, combine the boneless chicken breasts, chopped onion, fresh cranberries, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, brown sugar, and orange juice. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
2
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, depending on the heat of your model, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
3
About 15 to 20 minutes before serving, mix the all-purpose flour with cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. Cover and continue cooking until the sauce is thickened.
4
Before serving, taste the dish and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot over rice or couscous, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
How many servings does this dish make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries and there is no need to thaw them beforehand.
What is the recommended cooking time?
Cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is tender.
What setting should I use on my slow cooker?
The recipe specifically recommends using the LOW setting.
How do I thicken the cranberry citrus sauce?
Mix 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the slow cooker.
When should I add the flour slurry?
Add the thickening slurry about 15 to 20 minutes before you plan to serve the meal.
What sides are recommended for serving?
It is delicious served over rice or couscous, paired with seasonal vegetables.
What type of juice is needed for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of orange juice.
Are there any warm spices in this chicken dish?
Yes, it includes ground cinnamon and ground ginger for a fragrant holiday aroma.
Does the recipe require sugar?
Yes, it uses 3 tablespoons of brown sugar to balance the tartness of the cranberries.
How should the onion be prepared?
One small onion should be chopped before being added to the slow cooker.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday meals?
Absolutely, it is designed as an easy holiday meal perfect for busy shopping days.
How much salt is included?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
Can I garnish the dish?
Yes, you can garnish the finished dish with fresh herbs if desired.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 10 total ingredients in this recipe.
Should I stir the ingredients?
Yes, stir the chicken, onion, cranberries, spices, sugar, and juice gently to combine them at the start.
What temperature should the water be for the slurry?
The water should be cold when mixing with the flour to prevent lumps.
How much cinnamon is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How much ginger is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.
What if my slow cooker runs hot?
Check the chicken at the 4-hour mark to ensure it does not overcook.
Is this a 'set and forget' style recipe?
Mostly, though you do need to return 15-20 minutes before serving to add the thickening slurry.
Can I use chicken thighs?
While the recipe calls for breasts, boneless thighs could be substituted, though cooking times may vary.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is a balance of tart cranberries, zesty citrus, sweet brown sugar, and warm spices.
Do I need to brown the chicken first?
No, the chicken is placed directly into the slow cooker without prior browning.
Is the chicken cooked whole?
The recipe uses chicken breast halves which are cooked until tender in the sauce.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Yes, any standard orange juice will work for this recipe.
Is this dish dairy-free?
Yes, based on the ingredient list provided, this recipe is dairy-free.
What should I do if the sauce is too thin?
Ensure you have added the flour slurry and let it cook for the final 20 minutes to thicken properly.
Can this be made in a crockpot?
Yes, a crockpot is another name for a slow cooker and is perfect for this recipe.