Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Cranberry Chicken

The Weeknight Lifeline That Tastes Like a Holiday Feast — Ready in 5 Minutes

Let me tell you about the weeknight dinner that has quietly become my cold-weather lifeline. It's the one I make when the days are short, the to-do list is long, and I need something that tastes like I fussed for hours—but really just took five minutes to prep.

This Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Cranberry Chicken is pure, simple magic: tender chicken simmered in a glossy, sweet-tart cranberry glaze that caramelizes into something that tastes like a holiday feast, any night of the year. No searing. No complicated sauces. Just toss, cover, and let your slow cooker work its quiet magic while you go about your day.

I first dreamed up this recipe on a gray November afternoon when I had chicken breasts, a can of cranberry sauce, and exactly ten minutes to figure out dinner. I tossed everything in the slow cooker, crossed my fingers, and went back to folding laundry. When I finally lifted the lid hours later, the kitchen smelled like a cozy winter gathering—and the chicken? So tender, so flavorful, so effortlessly delicious that my family asked if I'd ordered takeout from a fancy bistro.

Now, it's my go-to when I want to feed my people something special without adding stress to my day. It's the kind of recipe that reminds you comfort doesn't have to be complicated. It just needs good ingredients, a little patience, and trust in the process.

📋 Recipe At a Glance

🛒 What You'll Need (Yes, Just Three!)

The Core Three: