Looking for an easy recipe that’s full of flavor and perfect for busy weeknights? This Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Chicken Bake is a simple dish that combines pantry staples like whole berry cranberry sauce, Catalina dressing, and dry onion soup mix to create a tangy, sweet glaze over tender chicken. It’s a great option for a family dinner or even a festive holiday meal. With minimal prep time and plenty of sauce to pair with rice or noodles, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite at your table!

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Ingredients Needed for Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Chicken

4 lbs skinless chicken breast (about 4 large breasts)
14 oz whole berry cranberry sauce
16 oz Catalina dressing (we love making our own)
1 package dry onion soup mix
Optional: fresh rosemary or orange zest for garnish

How to Make Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Chicken

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures the oven is evenly heated and ready to bake the dish for consistent results.

Prepare the Cranberry Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, Catalina dressing, and the dry onion soup mix. Use a spoon or spatula to stir the ingredients together until they are fully blended. The mixture should have a smooth, thick texture. This cranberry mixture is the key to creating the tangy sauce that coats the chicken.

Grease the Baking Dish

Lightly coat a large baking dish or casserole dish with avocado oil or olive oil. This prevents the chicken from sticking during cooking and makes cleanup easier. You can use a paper towel or pastry brush to spread the oil evenly across the bottom and sides of the dish.

Arrange the Chicken

Place the skinless chicken breasts in the baking dish in a single layer. Avoid overlapping the chicken, as this ensures even cooking. If your baking dish is too small, consider using two dishes or cooking in batches.

Pour the Cranberry Mixture

Pour the prepared cranberry mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Use a spoon to spread the sauce, ensuring each piece is completely coated. The sauce should cover the chicken generously, creating plenty of flavorful sauce for serving.

Bake the Chicken

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part.

Check and Baste (optional)

About halfway through baking, you can carefully remove the dish from the oven and spoon some of the sauce from the bottom of the dish over the chicken. This step helps keep the chicken moist and ensures an even flavor.

Rest the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, keeping it tender and juicy.

Garnish and Serve

For a fresh and flavorful finish, garnish the chicken with fresh rosemary sprigs or a sprinkle of orange zest. Serve the chicken hot, with white rice, egg noodles, or green beans as a side dish to soak up the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This easy baked cranberry chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it over:

Fluffy white rice to soak up the plenty of sauce.
Buttered egg noodles for a comforting complete meal.
Green beans or other fresh veggies for a well-rounded family favorite.

Tips for Success

Fresh cranberries can be added for a burst of tartness and color during the time of year when they’re available.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on medium-high heat in the oven or stovetop.
Want to switch it up? Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or soy sauce to the cranberry glaze for extra depth of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it a perfect way to whip up an impressive dinner without a trip to the grocery store.
Tangy sauce: The combination of Catalina dressing, cranberry sauce, and onion soup mix creates a delicious sauce that’s sweet, savory, and tangy.
Family-approved: This dish is a hit with the whole family and is sure to become a new favorite at the dinner table.

Variations

Substitute skinless chicken breast with tender chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Add a drizzle of maple syrup or sprinkle of brown sugar for a touch of sweetness.
Make it festive with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for holiday dinners, like Christmas dinner.

Conclusion

This Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Chicken Bake is the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor, making it an ideal recipe for any occasion. With its sweet cranberry glaze, tangy sauce, and tender chicken, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress the whole family.

Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy weeknight meal or serving it as a centerpiece for a festive holiday gathering, this recipe is a reliable go-to. Pair it with your favorite sides like white rice or egg noodles, and you’ll have a complete meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Give this easy recipe a try, and it just might become your new family favorite!