Introducing a delightful culinary creation that perfectly encapsulates the essence of festive gatherings: Festive Crock Pot Cranberry Chicken! This savory dish combines tender skinless chicken pieces with a medley of flavors, including the tart sweetness of cranberries, the subtle tang of Dijon mustard, and the warm spice of pumpkin pie spice, creating a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total cook time of 8 hours and 10 minutes, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between convenience and flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or celebratory occasions like Christmas or Thanksgiving. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this dish truly special:
- Skinless Chicken Pieces: Tender and succulent, these chicken pieces serve as the protein-rich foundation of the dish, providing a satisfying and hearty element to each bite.
- Onion: Adding depth and aroma, the onion infuses the dish with its sweet and savory notes, complementing the other flavors perfectly.
- Dijon Mustard: Known for its bold and zesty flavor, Dijon mustard lends a unique tanginess to the dish, balancing out the sweetness of the cranberries.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, ensuring a well-rounded taste experience.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: This warm and aromatic spice blend, typically associated with fall and holiday desserts, adds a hint of seasonal flair to the dish, elevating it to new heights.
- Chicken Bouillon Granules and Cubes: These savory ingredients serve as the base for the cooking liquid, infusing the chicken with rich, savory flavor.
- Cranberries: The star ingredient of the dish, cranberries provide a burst of tartness and vibrant color, making this dish truly festive and visually stunning.
- Sugar: Balancing out the tartness of the cranberries, sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the dish, harmonizing the flavors and creating a well-rounded taste profile.
- Red and Yellow Bell Pepper: These colorful peppers not only add visual appeal to the dish but also contribute a subtle sweetness and crunch, enhancing its texture and flavor.
With just a few simple steps, you can bring this mouthwatering dish to life:
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Add all ingredients to the crock pot: Start by placing the skinless chicken pieces, diced onion, Dijon mustard, salt, pumpkin pie spice, chicken bouillon granules and cubes, cranberries, sugar, and sliced red and yellow bell peppers into the crock pot, ensuring that they are evenly distributed.
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Cook for 8 to 10 hours: Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook the ingredients on low heat for 8 to 10 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender and juicy.
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Serve over hot cooked rice: Once the cooking time is complete, serve the festive cranberry chicken over hot cooked rice, allowing the savory sauce to mingle with the fluffy grains and create a truly delectable dining experience.
With its irresistible aroma, vibrant colors, and harmonious flavors, Festive Crock Pot Cranberry Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, enjoying a cozy dinner at home, or simply craving a comforting meal, this dish is guaranteed to delight your senses and leave you feeling satisfied. So gather your ingredients, fire up your crock pot, and get ready to savor the magic of this festive culinary masterpiece!
