Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Cranberry Chicken
If you’re looking for an easy slow cooker chicken recipe that’s sweet, savory, and incredibly simple, this 3-Ingredient Cranberry Chicken is about to become your new weeknight favorite. Made with boneless skinless chicken breasts, canned cranberry sauce, and dry onion soup mix, this cozy crockpot meal delivers big flavor with almost zero prep.
This is the ultimate dump-and-go slow cooker recipe perfect for busy families, meal prep, or when you need a no-fuss dinner that tastes like you worked much harder than you did.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken:
Only 3 ingredients Budget-friendly and pantry-based
5 minutes of prep Just layer and cook
Sweet and savory flavor Classic comfort food taste
Perfect for meal prep Leftovers reheat beautifully
Family-friendly crockpot dinner Even picky eaters love it
The cranberry sauce melts into a glossy glaze while the onion soup mix adds rich, savory depth. The result? Tender, juicy chicken coated in a flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 (14-ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce
1 (1-ounce) packet dry onion soup mix
Directions:
Place the raw chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of a 4–6 quart slow cooker.
Pour the entire can of jellied cranberry sauce over the chicken, spreading slightly to cover.
Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly on top.
Cover and cook:
LOW: 4–6 hours
HIGH: 2½–3½ hours
Once cooked, shred or slice the chicken directly in the slow cooker and stir into the cranberry-onion sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (the soup mix is naturally salty).
Serve hot with extra sauce spooned over your favorite side.
The Benefits of This Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Perfect for Busy Work Weeks
This easy crockpot chicken dinner requires no browning, sautéing, or complicated prep. Just assemble and walk away.
Budget-Friendly Meal
Using affordable pantry staples like canned cranberry sauce and onion soup mix keeps this meal economical.
Great for Holiday Leftovers
This recipe doubles as a clever way to use up extra cranberry sauce after Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Versatile Serving Options
Serve it over:
Steamed white or brown rice
Buttered egg noodles
Creamy mashed potatoes
Slider buns for cranberry chicken sandwiches
Variations & Expert Tips:
Thicker Sauce: Stir in 2–3 tablespoons ketchup or tomato paste at the end for a richer glaze.
Use Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs make this even juicier.
Balance the Sweetness: Use ¾ can cranberry sauce and add a splash of chicken broth if you prefer it less sweet.
Add Heat: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce before serving.
Make It a Freezer Meal: Combine all ingredients in a freezer bag, freeze, then thaw and cook when needed.
What to Serve with Cranberry Chicken
For a complete comfort-food dinner, pair this slow cooker chicken with cranberry sauce with:
Steamed green beans
Roasted broccoli
Honey-glazed carrots
Fresh garden salad
Soft dinner rolls
Storage & Meal Prep:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Use leftovers for cranberry chicken sandwiches, wraps, or even over baked potatoes.
