Crock Pot Cranberry Orange Chicken

This Crock Pot Cranberry Orange Chicken is a sweet and savory recipe, which uses whole berry cranberry sauce and fresh orange juice. It’s a no-fuss take on the classic, ready in about 4 hours and 10 minutes.

Crock Pot Cranberry Orange Chicken Ingredients

• 1 (14 ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce (I use Ocean Spray brand)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Zest and juice from 1 medium orange (about 1 tablespoon loosely-packed grated orange zest and about ¼ cup orange juice)
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary (or ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary)
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or sub with boneless skinless chicken breasts)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh herbs

How To Make Crock Pot Cranberry Orange Chicken

1. Mix the sauce base: In the bottom of a slow cooker, stir together cranberry sauce, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, orange zest, orange juice, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Season and add chicken: Season the chicken on all sides with salt and pepper. Place it into the slow cooker with the sauce mixture.
3. Cook the chicken: Cover and cook on HIGH for 1–2 hours or on LOW for 2–4 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F.
4. Prepare the sauce: Remove the chicken and tent with foil to keep warm. Transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
5. Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry, reduce to a simmer, and cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season to taste.

Recipe Tips

• How long should I cook it in the crock pot?
  About 1–2 hours on HIGH or 2–4 hours on LOW, depending on your slow cooker’s heat level.
• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
  Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work just as well in this recipe.
• Why cook the sauce separately?
  Simmering it on the stovetop gives you a richer, thicker sauce with deeper flavor.
• How do I know the chicken is done?
  Use a meat thermometer to check that it has reached 165°F internally.
• What can I garnish with?
  Chopped toasted nuts and fresh herbs like parsley or thyme add flavor and texture.

What To Serve With Cranberry Orange Chicken

Pair this flavorful chicken with simple sides to let the sweet-tart sauce shine:

• Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• Wild rice or couscous
• Dinner rolls or crusty bread

How To Store Cranberry Orange Chicken

Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Freeze:
Freeze cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Cranberry Orange Chicken Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 434
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Protein: 45g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 215mg
• Sodium: 263mg
• Sugar: 32g
• Fiber: 1g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and refrigerate it. Cook the chicken fresh for the best texture.

Can I skip the cornstarch step?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less glossy.

How do I make this recipe more citrusy?
Add extra orange zest or a splash of orange juice concentrate for a bolder citrus flavor.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Crack Chicken Pasta
• Crock Pot Chicken Wrapped In Bacon
• Crock Pot Chicken With Zucchini