Imagine tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken infused with the sweet and tart flavors of cranberry sauce, mingled with aromatic spices. This isn’t your average chicken dish. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful and comforting meal. It’s a touch of autumn on your plate, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high
Servings: 6
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 1 (14 oz) can Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth
- 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Ground Allspice
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp cold water)
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, and allspice.
- Pour the cranberry sauce mixture over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce in the slow cooker and cook on high for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat.
Expert Tips for Success
- For a richer flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- Don’t overcook the chicken, as it will become dry.
- You can add a bay leaf to the slow cooker for extra flavor. Remember to remove it before serving.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
- If the sauce is too tart, add another tablespoon of brown sugar.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, but they may become drier. Reduce the cooking time to prevent this.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare everything the night before and start cooking in the morning.
Q: What sides pair well with this dish?
A: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or rice are excellent choices.
Thank you for trying out this recipe! We hope you and your family enjoy it.
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