Cranberry Grilled Chicken
Juicy grilled chicken glazed with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, featuring warm cinnamon and cider vinegar flavors, perfect for family dinners or outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together cranberry sauce, corn syrup, vinegar, corn oil, cinnamon, and salt until well blended.
- Grill chicken 6 inches from heat for 30 minutes, turning every so often.
- Brush cranberry mixture on grilled chicken and cook for 15 to 20 minutes longer until chicken is tender.
- Heat remaining cranberry mixture and serve with chicken.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken in the cranberry mixture for several hours or overnight. If you're out of corn syrup, honey or maple syrup can work as a substitute. Make sure to turn the chicken regularly while grilling to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. You can also use this glaze on other meats, like pork or turkey, for a delicious twist on classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cranberry grilled chicken with a side of rice, such as Chicken Continental Rice, for a complete meal. Steamed vegetables or a fresh salad can add a nice crunch. Drizzle the warmed remaining cranberry sauce over the chicken for added flavor. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes or Lovetta's Potatoes for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cranberry grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. If you're short on time, you can also use a microwave, but be sure to cover the chicken to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Grilled Chicken contains roughly 613 calories, with 7g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is a good source of calcium (16% of the Daily Value) and protein (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1917mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of jellied cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries! Simply cook them with sugar and a little water until they burst and form a sauce. Adjust the sweetness to your taste, as fresh cranberries are more tart than jellied sauce.
What should I do if my chicken is not fully cooked after grilling?
If the chicken isn't fully cooked after the initial grilling time, continue grilling it, checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F in the thickest part. You can also move it to a cooler part of the grill to cook more gently.
Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of on the grill?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 375°F, place the chicken in a roasting pan, and brush with the cranberry mixture. Roast for about 1 hour, basting occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice glaze.
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).