Oven-Barbecued Cranberry Chicken
Tender chicken baked with a tangy cranberry sauce and savory seasonings, perfect for a comforting family dinner or festive gathering with a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients
- 1 (2 to 3 lb.) broiler fryer chicken, cut up and skinned ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup catsup ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the chicken in oil or cooking spray in a skillet.
- Cook onion and celery in oil or spray until tender.
- Stir in cranberry sauce, salt, pepper, catsup, brown sugar, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and pour over the chicken in a baking dish.
- Bake at 325°F for 1 hour.
- Remove chicken and add cooked rice to the sauce during the last 20 to 30 minutes of baking.
- Lay the chicken back on top and finish cooking until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce overnight before cooking. If you're out of whole-berry cranberry sauce, you can substitute it with homemade cranberry sauce or even raspberry preserves for a unique twist. Ensure the chicken is well-browned for a richer taste. Don't hesitate to add your favorite herbs or spices to customize the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Oven-Barbecued Cranberry Chicken with fluffy rice or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A fresh green salad pairs beautifully with this dish, adding a crisp contrast to the savory flavors. For a delightful dessert, consider a slice of Cantaloupe Brownies(Nice And Moist) to finish off the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a covered dish and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven-Barbecued Cranberry Chicken contains roughly 207 calories, with 3g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1463mg per serving (64% 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 a different type of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks if preferred. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as dark meat may require a bit longer to cook through. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
Is it possible to make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day ahead, then store them separately in the refrigerator. On the day of serving, simply bake them together in the oven until warmed through and deliciously combined.
What can I do if I want a spicier sauce?
To add some heat to the sauce, consider mixing in a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or even diced jalapeños. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste for the perfect balance of 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).