Cranberry Baked Chicken
Cranberry Baked Chicken offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, featuring tender chicken breasts glazed with a tangy cranberry sauce and savory onion soup mix. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or a festive gathering, it pairs well with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Mix together the cranberry sauce, Catalina dressing, and onion soup mix in a bowl.
- Place the boneless chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cover the dish and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the cover and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and sauce is bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a tangier flavor, consider using homemade cranberry sauce. You can also substitute the Catalina dressing with a honey mustard dressing for a sweeter touch. Bone-in chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for added flavor and moisture. If you're short on time, pre-marinated chicken can work well too.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cranberry baked chicken over a bed of rice or alongside fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables make excellent side dishes, adding color and nutrition. This dish also pairs beautifully with Texas Rice Casserole for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Baked Chicken contains roughly 281 calories, with 13g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% 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 use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's best to thaw them first for even cooking. If you're in a hurry, you can cook them from frozen, but increase the baking time to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature.
What can I use instead of Lipton onion soup mix?
If you don't have Lipton onion soup mix, you can create a substitute using dried onion flakes, garlic powder, and salt. Combine 1 tablespoon of each to mimic the flavor profile of the soup mix in this recipe.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, you can mix in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the cranberry sauce mixture. This will give the dish a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
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).