Blue-Ribbon Cranberry Chicken
A savory and tangy chicken dish featuring cranberry sauce, Russian salad dressing, and onion soup mix, perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions with a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine cranberry sauce, salad dressing, and onion soup mix.
- Rinse the chicken; pat dry with paper towels.
- Remove and discard skin, if desired. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Pour the cranberry mixture over the chicken pieces. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
- Bake the chicken uncovered in a 300°F oven for about 1 1/2 hours or until the chicken is cooked through, stirring the glaze and spooning it over the chicken once or twice during baking.
- Serve the chicken and glaze on a platter with hot cooked rice, if desired. Garnish with fresh rosemary, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a tangier flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to the cranberry mixture. If you prefer a healthier option, use a homemade salad dressing instead of the reduced-calorie version. You can also substitute the chicken with turkey or tofu for a different protein option. Make sure to stir the glaze every 30 minutes during baking to ensure even coverage, similar to techniques used in Krispy Baked Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken over a bed of hot cooked rice for a comforting meal. Pair it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh rosemary before serving. This dish also pairs beautifully with Scratch Dumplings for a hearty option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, to maintain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Blue-Ribbon Cranberry Chicken contains roughly 663 calories, with 12g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (193% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (175% of the Daily Value), and calcium (113% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 797mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep! You can marinate the chicken in the cranberry mixture the night before and bake it the next day. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste.
What can I use instead of onion soup mix?
If you don’t have onion soup mix, you can create your own by combining dried onion flakes, garlic powder, and a bit of salt. This homemade blend will add similar flavors and depth to your dish.
Is this recipe suitable for a family gathering?
Absolutely! This cranberry chicken recipe is both easy to prepare and serve, making it perfect for family gatherings. It scales well, so you can double the ingredients to accommodate larger groups while still ensuring everyone enjoys a delicious meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).