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Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken is one of my go-to recipes when I want a dinner with little prep. I make the sauce, pour it over the chicken, and let it cook the rest of the day. The chicken turns tender and the sauce stays balanced, not overly sweet. It is a dependable option when I need a no-stress dinner that is still complete.
👉 You need to try my Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken & Vegetables next!
This slow cooker cranberry chicken recipe combines chicken breasts with cranberry sauce and French dressing for an easy hands off dinner. The sauce thickens as it cooks and coats the chicken evenly. It is a practical recipe for busy nights when you want something warm and familiar. This meal works especially well served over rice.
Table of Contents
- How I Make This Recipe Step by Step
- What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
- Full Ingredients List
- Swaps & Substitutions
- About What This Costs
- How to Make Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
- Tips and Tricks
- Recipe FAQs – Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
- Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- How I Use the Leftovers
- More Great Slow Cooker Chicken Dinners
- Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken Recipe
How I Make This Recipe Step by Step
Why you’ll love this recipe…
I choose this recipe over and over when I want something that does not require much effort. The sauce is simple and reliable, with chicken that stays perfectly tender. It fits well into weeks where I want dinner finished before the evening gets busy.
⏰ Total Time: About 4 hours
🍂 Perfect For: Busy weeknights, family dinners
🛒 Key Ingredients: Chicken breasts, cranberry sauce
🍽️ Servings: 4-5
🥄 Skill Level: Easy
🧊 Storage: Refrigerator friendly
👉 If you like simple slow cooker chicken, Slow Cooker High-Protein Chicken & Veggies is another great recipe to add to your rotation.
Made With Love,
What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
- Chicken breasts: Cook evenly and stay tender in the sauce.
- Cranberry sauce: Adds sweetness and body without extra ingredients.
- French dressing: Balances the cranberry with tang and seasoning.
👉 If you like this recipe then I think you will also love my Slow Cooker Butter Chicken.
Full Ingredients List
- 4 to 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup French dressing
- 1 (15 oz) can whole cranberry sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
🔒 The printable recipe card below includes the full ingredient list and exact amounts — perfect for saving or printing for later.
Swaps & Substitutions
- Serve with mashed potatoes instead of rice if preferred.
- Reduce the dressing slightly if you like a less tangy sauce.
About What This Costs
Estimated total cost: $11 to $13
Servings: 4 to 5
Estimated cost per serving: About $3
This estimate is based on average US grocery prices and may vary depending on location, store, and seasonal pricing.
It works well as a main dish without needing extra sides.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the French dressing and cranberry sauce until smooth.
Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Pour the cranberry mixture evenly over the chicken.
Step 4: Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or LOW for 4 to 5 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 5: Spoon the sauce over the chicken before serving.
🔒 The step-by-step instructions are also available in the printable recipe card below — don’t forget to save it for later!
Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken Variations
- Shred the chicken and serve it over rice.
- Add sliced onions to the slow cooker for extra depth.
- Serve the chicken on sandwich rolls with extra sauce.
My Pro TipS
Tips and Tricks
- Stir the sauce before serving to keep it smooth.
- Lightly season the chicken since the sauce adds flavor.
- Whole cranberry sauce gives the best texture.
- Keeping the chicken in a single layer helps it cook evenly.
Recipe FAQs – Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
Yes, it reheats well and keeps its flavor.
It is balanced with the dressing and not overly sweet.
Yes, though the sauce may thin slightly when reheated.
Yes, especially if cooked on low.
👉 Slow Cooker High-Protein Chicken & Veggies is another great pick for a freezer meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over white or brown rice.
- Pair with roasted vegetables.
- Add a simple green salad on the side.
👉 You might like Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup as a lighter meal earlier in the week.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in airtight containers.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or microwave.
👉 If you like dinners that reheats well during busy weeks you need to try my Slow Cooker Butter Chicken.
How I Use the Leftovers
- Shred and mix into rice bowls.
- Serve over baked potatoes.
- Use as a warm sandwich filling.
More Great Slow Cooker Chicken Dinners
If you make this, tag me @julia.pacheco.cooking on Instagram. I love seeing your dinners.
Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup French dressing
- 1 15 oz can whole cranberry sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the French dressing and cranberry sauce until smooth.
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Pour the cranberry mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or LOW for 4 to 5 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Spoon the sauce over the chicken before serving.
Video
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be substituted if preferred.
- Serve over rice or mashed potatoes.
- Sauce thickens slightly as it rests.
- Leftovers reheat well for lunches.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
