Sweet & Savory Cranberry Chicken : Easy 1-Pan Dinner Ready in 1 Hour

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Looking for a family-friendly chicken recipe that’s big on flavor yet simple enough for any busy weeknight? Cranberry Chicken checks all the boxes, delivering juicy chicken thighs smothered in a tangy-sweet sauce that’s always a crowd-pleaser. From its vibrant cranberry glaze to its effortless 1-pan preparation, this is a must-try recipe for home cooks of all skill levels.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Chicken

• One-pan, minimal cleanup.
• Sweet, savory, and tangy in every bite.
• Uses pantry staples and ready in about 1 hour.
• Versatile – perfect for mashed potatoes, rice, or meal prep.

Ingredient Table

Ingredient	Notes
2 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs	Remove excess fat; can sub chicken breasts
8 oz bottle Catalina salad dressing	Try this bottle for easy prep
1.25 oz packet dry onion soup mix	Adds layers of flavor
15 oz can whole-berry cranberry sauce	Homemade options work too
¼ tsp red pepper flakes	For gentle heat, adjust as desired
Salt & pepper	To taste
Mashed potatoes or cooked rice	For serving

Essential Kitchen Equipment

• Baking sheets
• Measuring cups and spoons set
• Chef’s knives
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Oven
• Kitchen utensils
• Food processor (optional for homemade cranberry sauce)

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×13-inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, blend Catalina dressing, onion soup mix, cranberry sauce, and red pepper flakes. Pour the mixture into the baking dish.
3. Season both sides of chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place in a single layer in the baking dish, ensuring all are well coated in the sauce.
4. Bake uncovered for 1 hour, or until chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F.
5. Serve warm over mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or cooked rice. Enjoy the leftovers for easy lunch the next day!

Tips For The Best Results

• For extra flavor, marinate chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before baking.
• Make it ahead: Prep the dish a day before and store covered in the fridge.
• For a lighter version, swap thighs for chicken breast.
• Prefer a smoother sauce? Use a food processor to blend the cranberry mixture.
• Serve with a side salad tossed with homemade vinaigrette for a balanced meal.

Kitchen Equipment List

Take your cooking to the next level with these must-have tools:

• Oven
• Baking sheets
• Measuring cups and spoons set
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knives
• Mixing bowls
• Kitchen utensils
• Food processor

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work fine, just check doneness at 45 minutes as they may cook faster.​

Do I need to cover the dish when baking?

No, bake uncovered for best caramelization and flavor.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Is homemade cranberry sauce okay?

Yes! Use either canned whole-berry or your favorite homemade version.

What sides go well with cranberry chicken?

Mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables are all great pairings.

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