Kathy'S Cranberry Party Chicken
Kathy's Cranberry Party Chicken offers a flavorful blend of tangy cranberry and savory chicken, perfect for festive gatherings or family dinners with a sweet and savory profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sprinkle chicken breasts with garlic salt and pepper to taste.
- Arrange chicken breasts in a 9 x 13-inch baking pan and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the salad dressing, onion soup mix, cranberry sauce, and cranberries.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Cover the pan with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes.
- Turn off the oven and let the chicken sit in the oven for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the Catalina or French dressing for a few hours before baking. If you don't have onion soup mix, you can substitute with a blend of dried onions, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. This dish is also versatile; feel free to add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the baking pan for a complete meal. For a unique twist, try exploring American recipes that use cranberry sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For a fun twist, try serving it with crusty bread to make sandwiches out of the leftovers. You can also explore recipes like Chicken Cranberry Salad for a refreshing side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be mindful of overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kathy'S Cranberry Party Chicken contains roughly 263 calories, with 22g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value). At about 263 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in pieces typically take longer to cook, so bake them for about 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Make sure to check the chicken periodically to prevent overcooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate the assembled dish. When ready to cook, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help ensure even cooking and maintain the flavors.
What can I substitute for cranberry sauce?
If you don't have cranberry sauce, you can use a mixture of apple sauce with a touch of balsamic vinegar for sweetness and acidity. Alternatively, any fruit preserves like raspberry or cherry can work in a pinch, offering a different flavor profile while still maintaining a sweet element to the dish.
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).