Cranberry Chicken
Cranberry Chicken offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, with tender chicken breasts baked in a tangy cranberry sauce blend. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this dish pairs well with rice or vegetables for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Spray a 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place raw chicken breasts in the dish and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix the cranberry sauce, Catalina dressing, and dry onion soup mix.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Bake for about 1 hour, until the chicken is cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider substituting turkey breast for chicken for a holiday flair. If Catalina dressing isn't available, a mix of French dressing and a dash of vinegar can work. Ensure chicken is spaced evenly in the dish for optimal cooking. For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture for a few hours before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cranberry chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or with mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed green beans or a fresh salad pairs nicely with the dish. For a comforting meal, consider serving it alongside Shoe Peg Casserole for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil to retain moisture, heating at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Enjoy it over rice or salad for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Chicken contains roughly 234 calories, with 2g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 587mg per serving (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 fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
While fresh cranberries can be used, you'll need to cook them down with sugar and water to create a sauce-like consistency. This requires additional preparation time, but it can add a fresh flavor to the dish.
What can I substitute for Catalina dressing?
If you don't have Catalina dressing on hand, you can create a similar flavor by mixing equal parts of French dressing and a splash of vinegar. This will give you a sweet and tangy profile that complements the cranberry sauce well.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check. If you don't have one, ensure the juices run clear, and the meat is no longer pink inside.
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).