Description
Cranberry Chicken is a delightful dish featuring tender chicken breasts baked in a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, complemented by the savory notes of French dressing and onion soup mix. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 (14 oz) can whole cranberry sauce
- 1 (8 oz) bottle French or Catalina dressing
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the Chicken (Optional): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden, then remove from skillet and set aside.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine cranberry sauce, French or Catalina dressing, onion soup mix, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir until well blended.
- Assemble the Dish: Place the browned chicken in a 9×13-inch baking dish. If not browning, place raw chicken directly in the dish. Pour the cranberry sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Bake the Chicken: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Optional Browning: Browning the chicken adds extra flavor but is not necessary if you prefer a quicker preparation.
- Flavor Adjustments: For added flavor, consider incorporating additional spices or herbs into the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg