There’s something magical about the scent of a home filled with the aroma of tender chicken baking alongside sweet, tangy cranberries. The Easy Cranberry Chicken Bake captures everything we love about a peaceful Fall Dinner—warmth, color, and comfort. This simple recipe combines wholesome ingredients in a Baked Chicken in Sauce that’s both savory and sweet, all in a single dish. Whether you’re seeking an effortless One Pan Chicken meal for busy weekdays or saving it for Easy Christmas Dinners For Family, this recipe makes every night feel festive. Perfect for Recetas De Cena that bring everyone to the table.
The Heart Behind Easy Cranberry Chicken Bake
A Cozy Memory from Fall Evenings
The Easy Cranberry Chicken Bake began in my kitchen on a crisp evening when falling leaves colored the sidewalks in gold and amber. I still remember standing by the oven, listening to the gentle bubbling of cranberries melting into a glossy sauce around the chicken. The smell—sweet yet savory—wrapped the whole house like a warm blanket. It became a ritual: serving this Baked Chicken in Sauce after long days when my family gathered at the worn wooden table, letting the meal speak more than words ever could.
Every bite tasted like the change in the air—the balance of cozy and fresh that only a Fall Dinner can deliver. Over the years, I’ve shared this recipe with friends, neighbors, and at gatherings, and it never fails to stir up the same comforting memories. The Easy Cranberry Chicken Bake, with its glistening crimson glaze and delicate aroma, has turned into a homemade tradition that signals the season’s start.
There’s a reason this dish has stayed in my rotation for years—it’s impossible to resist. The blend of cranberry’s natural sweetness with savory Baked Chicken in Sauce creates harmony in every bite. Unlike complicated recipes, this one is genuinely accessible, perfect for those looking for Recetas De Cena that deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
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easy cranberry chicken bake for cozy fall dinners
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This one pan baked chicken with a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze combines simple ingredients for a comforting fall or holiday meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or festive family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder and arrange in the dish.
3. Whisk together cranberry sauce, dijon mustard, brown sugar, and orange zest until smooth.
4. Pour the cranberry mixture over the chicken and tuck sliced onions around the pieces.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the top and bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F and sauce bubbles.
6. Halfway through, spoon sauce from the bottom over the chicken to glaze.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving with sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: baked
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 500
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 85
Keywords: easy cranberry chicken bake, fall dinner, one pan chicken, baked chicken in sauce, recetas de cena, easy christmas dinners
Why It’s a Family Favorite for the Season
It’s also a dream come true for anyone planning Easy Christmas Dinners For Family—simple enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough for the holiday table. The secret lies in its balance: tender, juicy chicken soaks up the tangy cranberry glaze, while baked onions and spices add depth. What emerges from the oven is more than a meal—it’s comfort food at its finest, a One Pan Chicken dish that embodies togetherness and celebration. Every season when the temperature drops, we come back to it, grateful for the cozy warmth that only the Easy Cranberry Chicken Bake can bring.
Ingredients & Kitchen Essentials for the Perfect One Pan Chicken Bake
Fresh Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the Easy Cranberry Chicken Bake starts with fresh, everyday ingredients that come together in harmony for the ultimate Fall Dinner comfort dish. The beauty of this One Pan Chicken recipe lies in its balance between simplicity and flavor—every component contributes to that sweet-and-savory blend of holiday charm and homestyle warmth. Below is a detailed breakdown of ingredients to help you prepare this heartwarming Baked Chicken in Sauce.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes / Variations |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts or thighs | 4–6 pieces | Use boneless, skinless chicken for a leaner option, or thighs for extra juiciness |
| Cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied) | 1 cup (or 14 oz can) | Swap with fresh cooked cranberries if preferred |
| Onion | 1 medium, sliced thin | Adds depth and natural sweetness |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon | Gives the glaze a tangy finish |
| Orange zest | 1 teaspoon | Optional, brightens the sauce and complements the cranberries |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons | Balances tartness—adjust to taste |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | Enhances the savory profile of the Baked Chicken in Sauce |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste | Layered seasoning keeps the dish flavorful |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | Helps the chicken sear lightly before baking |
Optional add-ins: sprinkle fresh rosemary or thyme for a festive touch—perfect for Easy Christmas Dinners For Family or a special occasion Recetas De Cena. A squeeze of orange juice can also enhance the glaze with citrus brightness, pairing beautifully with cranberry’s deep, tangy flavor.
Kitchen Tools for a Stress-Free Cooking Experience
A smooth cooking process depends as much on your tools as your ingredients. For this One Pan Chicken recipe, you don’t need fancy gadgets—just the essentials that make both preparation and cleanup effortless. Having these ready ensures that your Easy Cranberry Chicken Bake turns out delicious with minimal mess, leaving more time to enjoy the cozy company of loved ones.
- Baking Dish: Choose a 9×13-inch glass or ceramic dish that gives enough room for the sauce to bubble and coat the chicken evenly.
- Mixing Bowl: Use this to whisk the cranberry sauce, mustard, orange zest, and seasonings together into a luscious glaze.
- Whisk and Spatula: Combine ingredients smoothly and transfer every drop of sauce into the baking dish.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: Perfect for slicing onions and prepping herbs or citrus zests quickly.
- Oven Mitts: Essential for safely removing the hot dish from the oven.
- Storage Containers: If prepping ahead for Easy Christmas Dinners For Family, store the sauce and chicken separately until ready to bake.
Everything cooks in one pan, which means easy cleanup—an ideal choice for busy weeknights or Recetas De Cena where simplicity meets homestyle flavor. With fresh ingredients and familiar tools, you’re ready to create comfort in its truest form.
Step-by-Step Guide — How to Make Easy Cranberry Chicken Bake
Preparing and Mixing the Flavors
The magic of the Easy Cranberry Chicken Bake begins long before the oven preheats. This part of the process is where sweet and savory elements meet to create a luscious Baked Chicken in Sauce for the coziest Fall Dinner.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your baking dish. Arrange the chicken evenly, seasoning each piece with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a mixing bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and orange zest until glossy and smooth—the vibrant red hue hints at holiday cheer for Easy Christmas Dinners For Family.
Pour the glaze over the chicken, coating every piece. Tuck onions around the chicken, drizzling with a little olive oil to promote caramelization. Take a moment to inhale the sharp cranberry scent meeting the sweet onion—it’s the start of something delicious.
Baking and Serving the Perfect Fall Dinner
Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce bubbles along the edges. Halfway through, spoon the sauce over each piece to build extra flavor and shine. When done, let the dish rest for five minutes before serving to keep the meat tender and juicy.
Serve your Easy Cranberry Chicken Bake with mashed potatoes, wild rice, or roasted vegetables. Each pairing enhances the sweet-tart glaze for a balanced, satisfying meal. For Easy Christmas Dinners For Family, garnish with fresh herbs or orange zest. Doubling the recipe for Recetas De Cena gatherings is easy—just use two pans and bake side by side. Minimal cleanup, maximum comfort.
The result is a One Pan Chicken centerpiece that tastes like home: tender chicken, bubbling sauce, and the cozy scent of caramelized onion and cranberry filling your kitchen. It’s everything a Fall Dinner should be—simple, hearty, and made with love.
FAQ & Keeping the Cozy Alive
Common Questions About Cranberry Chicken Bake
- Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce? Yes! Simmer fresh cranberries with orange juice and sugar until thickened. The flavor will be slightly more tart and vibrant in the Easy Cranberry Chicken Bake.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in airtight containers up to three days in the refrigerator. The sauce thickens, intensifying the flavors for another easy Fall Dinner.
- Can this recipe be made ahead for Christmas? Absolutely. Assemble the One Pan Chicken, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh before serving for juicy, tender results at Easy Christmas Dinners For Family.
- What sides go best with this dish? Try mashed or roasted potatoes, wild rice, or sautéed green beans—each balances the sweet and savory notes perfectly for Recetas De Cena gatherings.
- Can I freeze Easy Cranberry Chicken Bake? Yes! Cool completely, portion, and freeze up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently in the oven for an effortless homemade meal.
Wrapping Up — The Simple Joy of a Cozy Fall Dinner
As cooler days roll in, few meals feel as heartwarming as the Easy Cranberry Chicken Bake. This dish proves that comfort doesn’t have to be complicated—just a handful of everyday ingredients can create a meal that warms body and soul.
Perfect for a weeknight Fall Dinner, a festive Recetas De Cena, or Easy Christmas Dinners For Family, this Baked Chicken in Sauce delivers classic comfort with a touch of sweetness and a lot of love. The tender meat, glossy cranberry glaze, and familiar aroma bring families together, turning ordinary evenings into cherished moments. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let this One Pan Chicken dish bring a little extra warmth to your season—one comforting bite at a time.
