Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this show-stopping Blue Ribbon Cranberry Chicken recipe! Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts bathed in a tantalizing cranberry sauce that will make your taste buds dance with delight. This American-inspired dish is so simple yet so impressive, it'll have your family and friends begging for seconds - and asking for the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 can cranberry sauce
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the right temperature when you are ready to bake the chicken.
- Gather all the ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, 1 can of cranberry sauce, 1 packet of onion soup mix, 1/4 cup of water, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, onion soup mix, and water. Stir the mixture until the onion soup mix is fully dissolved and the ingredients are well blended.
- Take the chicken breasts and season them with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance their flavor.
- In a baking dish, arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer.
- Pour the cranberry sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the chicken moist while it cooks.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes covered.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the top to caramelize slightly and the chicken to cook through.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer; it should read at least 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.
- Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Blue Ribbon Cranberry Chicken warm, spooning some of the cranberry sauce mixture over each chicken breast for added flavor.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate in the cranberry sauce mixture for 30 minutes before baking if you have extra time.
- Use fresh chicken breasts for the best texture and taste.
- Make sure to cover the chicken initially to keep it moist, then uncover to allow slight caramelization.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- For a glossier finish, you can broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking to create a beautiful caramelized top.
- Pair this dish with roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg