One of the easiest cold weather weeknight dinner recipes you can make! Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken that's gluten-free, allergy-free, and paleo! Just 3 ingredients in the crockpot and you'll have a family with happy healthy bellies at dinnertime!
If you don't know how to or you hate to cook (shame!), but you still have mouths to feed and you care about your health, then the slow cooker is YOUR lifesaver! I didn't bring a slow cooker down to school with me, but the oven if just fine! However, all you lucky ducks in fully equipped homes and kitchens, I better see a slow cooker on your kitchen counter weekly this winter!
Slow cookers take zero skill to use. Just dump and GO! Then a few hours later, magically out comes some intensely flavor-infused nourishment! For this recipe, I chose to use New Jersey's famous cranberries for just the perfect cold weather dinner. Cranberries = November and December for me. The last few years I've been buying some extra bags of fresh cranberries and storing them in the freezer for later in the year and for meals like this!
But let's back up here. You know I never give you all a recipe without some sort of backstory to either the dish or a specific ingredient. For this one, we're going to be talking about the cranberry and my love/hate journey with it. For the longest time, as a wee young girl, the 3 foods I HATED were mushrooms, stuffing, and cranberries (in any form). From cranberry jelly to cranberry juice, I hated everything about them. So sour and "icky" tasting.
My brother LOVED the canned cranberry jelly you'd serve at Thanksgiving or with any big turkey/chicken dinner. He also loved cranberry juice (cocktail..so actually just sugar). He used to snack on bags of craisins too, I'd rather stick to raisins. My o my, do we all know that most childhood tastes change with time. Seeing that I love mushrooms and stuffing...and am rather fond of some fancy cranberry creations. I'm not sure when the switch happened, but I started loving snacking on craisins and drinking 100% cranberry juice with a splash of seltzer for my own little fruity bubbly cocktail.
I never grew up having anything with fresh cranberries until I started cooking for myself. The one thing I still can't get myself to accept is that damn canned cranberry jelly (I mean....it comes out in the shape of the can!) Thankfully, I don't eat that kind of nonsense anyway 😉 I did try to make my own cranberry sauce many years ago and it was terrible! So sour....I plan on trying again, hopefully, this year! Until then, I'll just throw in some chicken breasts, fresh cranberries, and cranberry juice into the slow cooker and let it do its cranberry magic!
Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
One of the easiest cold weather weeknight dinner recipes you can make! Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken that's gluten-free, allergy-free, and paleo! Just 3 ingredients in the crockpot and you'll have a family with happy healthy bellies at dinnertime!
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 Large Skinless Chicken Breats
- 2 Cups 100% Cranberry Juice
- 4 Cups Fresh Whole Cranberries
- ½ Tso Cinnamon
- ½ Tsp Onion Powder
Instructions
- In a slow cooker or crockpot, layer in the chicken breasts, cranberry juice, cranberries, and spices.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
So easy, so delicious, perfect leftover, and yes, even more amazing with some of that ketchup 😉 If you're like me and only eat chicken, Thanksgiving is usually vegan or I'll make some chicken for myself. This chicken recipe would be rather perfect for that! And even if you're still weary about cranberries, this slow cooker cranberry chicken may just change your mind! So deep and rich with a lovely semi-sweet cranberry flavor. Chicken + fruit + slow cooker = perfection everytime! Trust me!
So tell me:
+ Cranberry fan or hater?
+ What was one food you HATED growing up?
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Nikki
I absolutely love my slow cooker. It will be on my counter until spring. Or maybe till Groundhog Day at least. I do break it out once in a while in the summer, especially when I have a really big day planned. It's nice to know that dinner is already made. I never thought about chicken breast, cranberry juice and cranberries as an entree. But I love all of them separately, and at Thanksgiving, so this definitely sounds like something I would love. I may have to add just a bit of fresh orange juice and some orange zest. I am a huge fan of cranberry orange flavor. Thank you so much for this idea can't wait to try it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Slow cookers are year round! Why turn on the oven in the summer?
CJ @ Morsels of Life
This looks like such an easy and delicious meal! I love cranberries now, but didn't much before college. Not sure what changed. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Same here!
Katie
Hi Rebecca - this recipe sounds so delicious and easy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Sure is! Thanks!
Danielle McCoy
Another great sounding recipe! I'm a fan of taking my homemade cranberry relish and piling it on top of my poultry serving. I bet my kids would enjoy it too and it sounds so easy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Fruit and chicken always go so well!
Lisa @ Fun Money Mom
I am a cranberry lover and this chicken dish sounds delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You'll love it!
Angie ~ ambient wares
You're right, this has to be THE easiest recipe! I like cranberries and the only food I didn't like growing up was cooked spinach 😉 I'm a changed person though and I can eat it now!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well, I'm glad that changed 😉
Miz Helen
I can't wait to try this recipe it looks fantastic!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Enjoy!
Cayanne Marcus @healthyezsweet
Slow cookers really are a lifesaver. Literally just dump, wait, and voila = something delicious. I'm a huge fan of cranberries also so no convincing necessary here 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Woohoo!! This one is really good and so easy!
Leanna
My favorite cooking recipes are simple and easy. Love this idea. Pinning
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness
YES my slow cooker is my bestie for sure!!!! This recipe looks like something I'd love (and so easy). But my hubby hates cranberries so I guess more for me!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, maybe this will get him to change his mind 😉
Christine
Can't wait to try this recipe! Thanks for sharing.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Awesome! I hope you enjoy!
Angela Campos
Sounds delicious! Pinned 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Midgie
Oooh this looks fab, what a great combination - we are cranberry fans here and over the winter have homemade cranberry sauce with eveything, we put lime in ours! I couldn't be without my slow cooker though - its a life saver!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
A little citrus is always needed!
Farrah
You know I love and adore slow cooker recipes, especially when they involve minimal ingredients! ;P I need to go get some cranberries + cranberry juice!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes, girl!
Amy Smith
Never met a cranberrry I didn't love! Thanks for sharing - very yummy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That's good to hear 😉
Aya @ A Healthy Story
This looks amazing!!!! I love how easy it is and how there are not too many ingredients. I'm making this for sure!
I hated anything coconut flavoured growing up, which is kind of funny since now I love using coconut oil and flour! Things definitely change.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They do!! Our taste buds "grow up" just like we do!
Chandice Probst
This looks super good!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is!
Marla
This sounds delicious - I love chicken and this sound absolutely delicious with the the cranberries - A sure winner for a meal.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Nellie
I love easy recipes like this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Awesome!
Genie
Big cranberry fan! even have a cranberry cookbook
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I think I need that cookbook 😉
Allie @ Miss Allie's Kitchen
Cranberry LOVER! And I love that this is a slow cooker meal. For sure going on my list, just pinned it. And I used to not like olives, but now I love them!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Awesome! Cranberries have grown on me so much!
I've always loved black olives, green ones still are a little "eh" 😛
Robyn @ Simply Fresh Dinners
Oh yummy! I love the cinnamon and cranberries together and I am finally using my slow cooker that I bought a year ago, lol.
Such a great idea, Rebecca. Few ingredients, real flavour, real food. Doesn't get any better. Have a great weekend!
I'll be back tomorrow to read Friday's post. Look forward to it all week! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You just bought a slow cooker a year ago :O
Megan @ MegUnprocessed
Love the cranberry in there, so much extra flavor!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Simple and delicious!
Sharon @ What The Fork
Super excited for cranberry season!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Me too!
Amanda
This looks so easy! I can't do the can (and I'm still not a fan of mushroom or stuffing), but fresh cranberries I like. Can't wait to try this out!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, well there you go! All those things will eventually grow on you!
Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons
Cranberry lover, but I'm with you (not from the can). Definitely try homemade cranberry sauce again, it can be delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I have too! I definitely will give it a go again this year!
Tana Mason
This is something that I have never heard of and must try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope you do!
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free
What an inspired recipe for fall! Could be a great holiday alternative.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes it would!
Laura
I absolutely LOVE cranberries. Such the perfect tart flavour and I love it when they pop in your mouth!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! They are so fun!
Tiffany
I am always searching for delicious new slow cooker recipes! I LOVE cranberries and using them in savory dishes, so this is a keeper. Thanks so much! xo Tiffany
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Fruit always goes so well with chicken!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
I love slow cooker meals. Sounds delicious with the cranberries!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes, thank you, Emily!
Michelle
I'm starting to use my slow cooker more! This looks delicious and I have a couple big bags of cranberries in the freezer too! Can I use frozen?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! That's what I did!
Steph Jenssen
I absolutely love using my slow cooker, and have been obsessed with finding fall slow cooker recipes 🙂 I just bought a huge bag of cranberries, so this came at the perfect time 🙂 Can't wait to try it out!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well this is a jackpot then!
Beth (OMG! Yummy)
This is a great idea - and I love that you suggest 100% cranberry juice and real berries! LOVE!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Only realness!
Britney
This looks delicious and I like that it's in the crockpot!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Jessy @ The Life Jolie
What a beautiful meal- I love anything involving my slow cooker- so easy! This is perfect for a chilly fall night!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Easy and delish!
Erica D
I bet you could do the same with a turkey breast and then it would just scream "LOOK AT ME I'M AN EASY THANKSGIVING IN A SLOW COOKER!" Just throw some GF stuffing on top!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I'll stick with chicken!
J @ Bless Her Heart Y'all
GIRL! You had me at slow cooker and then again with cranberry! This looks and sounds absolutely amazing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Woohoo! Thank you, friend!
Platter Talk
I'm with you on drinking CB juice with seltzer! Love it, as well as your recipe for this CB chicken!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thank you!
Cricket Plunkett
Yum this looks like a perfect fall dinner! I love cranberries, can't wait to try this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you! I'm feeling the cranberry love!
Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry
What a healthy dish. I enjoy using my slow cooker and wouldn't be without it
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
We should all have a slow cooker!
Chrystal @ Gluten-Free Palate
I love cranberries with Turkey but I never thought of eating them with chicken. Thank you!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, well then you'll love this 😉
rachel @ Athletic Avocado
it's the perfect time of the year to use cranberries and adding them to chicken sounds pretty incredible! Even better that this is slow-cooked because that means it practically cooks itself!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Flavors and cooks itself!
Cassie
I'm always looking for new ways to use cranberries - this looks great!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you, Cassie!
Emily @ My Healthyish Life
Hey, even if you like cooking the slow cooker is a life saver! I don't dislike cranberries, but we never have them aside from Thanksgiving! This is a great way to get them in.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O, I think you need to make some cranberry chicken then!
Kortney // Allergy Girl Eats
Love how easy this dish is to make! So perfect to bring some colour into winter eating 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, yes! I need all the bright colors I can get!
Susie @ SuzLyfe
How good would this be with zoodles...
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This baby needs REAL noodles!