Cranberry Chicken

Craving a cozy, flavorful dinner with minimal prep? Let me introduce you to my go-to Cranberry Chicken recipe.

It’s a sweet and savory dish that blends juicy chicken breasts with tangy cranberry sauce, zesty orange, and a rich, flavorful dressing.

This retro-inspired recipe, often known as “Cranberry Chicken Bake,” is simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights or even holiday meals.

Whether you’re serving it with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies, this oven-baked cranberry chicken is a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It uses just a few pantry staples and requires minimal cleanup. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients List

Main Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 lbs. total)
• 8 ounces (about 1 cup) French dressing, Russian dressing, or Catalina salad dressing
• 1 (14-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce (I prefer Ocean Spray brand)
• 1 (1-ounce) packet dry onion soup mix seasoning (I use Lipton brand)
• Zest from ½ of an orange
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or sage

Required Kitchen Tools

When making Cranberry Chicken, having the right tools on hand ensures the cooking process goes smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

1. 2-Quart Baking Dish: A ceramic or glass baking dish works well to cook the chicken evenly and hold all the delicious sauce.
2. Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a medium-sized bowl to stir together the dressing, cranberry sauce, and seasoning.
3. Zester or Microplane: For getting fresh orange zest, which adds a bright citrusy layer to the sauce.
4. Tongs or a Fork: Useful for handling the raw chicken breasts while seasoning and placing them into the dish.
5. Aluminum Foil or Lid: To cover the baking dish during the first part of cooking and lock in moisture.
6. Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through to a safe 165°F without drying out.

Having these essentials makes this dish even easier to prepare—and cleanup is a breeze, too.

Preparation Steps

Making this baked cranberry chicken is truly effortless. With only 10 minutes of prep, you can get this dish into the oven and let it work its magic. Follow these simple steps for a flavorful, tender result every time.

Prepping the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Next, season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and ground black pepper on both sides. This base seasoning helps enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Make sure they’re not overlapping so they cook evenly.

Mixing the Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the following ingredients:

• 1 cup salad dressing (French, Russian, or Catalina – whichever you prefer)
• 1 can whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1 packet dry onion soup mix
• Zest from ½ an orange

Mix everything thoroughly until combined. This sweet, tangy, and savory mixture will form the flavorful glaze that bakes into the chicken, creating a rich and aromatic pan sauce.

Pour and Cover

Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is coated. Use a spoon to spread it out if needed.

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil (or a lid, if your baking dish has one). This will help the chicken stay juicy during the first half of baking.

Baking Instructions

Now that your chicken is prepped and coated in that irresistible cranberry-orange sauce, it’s time to bake it to juicy perfection. This is where all the magic happens—the oven brings together the sweet, savory, and tangy flavors into one comforting dish.

First Bake: Seal in the Juiciness

Place the covered baking dish on the center rack of your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Let it bake, covered, for 30 minutes. This first bake allows the chicken to begin cooking while locking in moisture, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.

Second Bake: Thicken the Sauce & Add Color

After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil or lid and return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes. This step helps the sauce thicken slightly and lets the tops of the chicken caramelize slightly for extra depth of flavor.

Check for Doneness

To ensure your chicken is safely cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. It should read 165°F (74°C). If it hasn’t reached that temperature yet, give it a few more minutes and check again.

Finishing Touch

Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Before serving, spoon some of that luscious pan sauce over the top of the chicken. Trust me—it’s too good to waste!

For a final flourish, sprinkle on chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or sage. Not only do they add color, but they also bring a fresh contrast to the rich sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This baked cranberry chicken is the ultimate comfort food—sweet, tangy, savory, and beautifully balanced. It pairs perfectly with a variety of sides depending on the occasion and your taste preferences.

Side Dish Ideas

Here are some of my favorite sides to serve with cranberry chicken:

• Fluffy white rice or wild rice blend – perfect for soaking up that rich cranberry-orange pan sauce.
• Garlic mashed potatoes – for a creamy and comforting base.
• Buttered egg noodles – a classic and kid-friendly option.
• Steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or maple-glazed carrots – veggies add freshness and balance to the plate.
• A light green salad with vinaigrette – if you’re looking for something crisp and refreshing on the side.

This dish is versatile enough for both weeknight meals and special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinner with family.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerating Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the chicken cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a covered baking dish and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

Freezing Tips

You can also freeze cranberry chicken for later! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Label and date them, then store for up to 2 months.

To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake or microwave as needed.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Chicken recipe is the kind of meal that never goes out of style. It’s easy, flavorful, and made with pantry staples you probably already have. Whether you’re hosting guests, feeding your family, or simply want a no-fuss dinner with big flavor, this dish delivers every time.

From the juicy chicken to the sweet and savory cranberry sauce with a touch of citrus—each bite is packed with comforting goodness. Try it once, and I’m sure it’ll become a staple in your kitchen like it has in mine.

So grab your baking dish, mix up that simple sauce, and let your oven do the rest. Happy cooking!