12 Delicious Cranberry BBQ Chicken Recipes You Must Try

Bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion, these 12 cranberry BBQ chicken recipes are a game-changer for your dinner routine. Whether you’re craving something sweet, spicy, or tangy, we’ve got a dish that’ll satisfy your taste buds and impress your family. Dive into our roundup of must-try recipes that blend the tartness of cranberries with the smoky goodness of BBQ—your next favorite meal awaits!

Slow Cooker Cranberry BBQ Chicken

You won’t believe how this slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal. Yet, it’s incredibly easy to make.

Ingredients

– Chicken thighs – 2 lbs
– BBQ sauce – 1 cup
– Cranberry sauce – 1 cup
– Garlic powder – 1 tsp

Instructions

1. Place 2 lbs of chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of BBQ sauce, 1 cup of cranberry sauce, and 1 tsp of garlic powder.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Tip: For best results, avoid opening the lid during cooking.
5. After cooking, shred the chicken with two forks directly in the slow cooker. Tip: Let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb more sauce.
6. Serve hot. Tip: For a crispy texture, broil the shredded chicken on a baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Hearty and tangy, this dish pairs perfectly with soft buns or over a bed of rice. The cranberry adds a unique sweetness that balances the smoky BBQ flavor.

Grilled Cranberry BBQ Chicken Skewers

Grilled cranberry BBQ chicken skewers bring a tangy twist to your summer cookouts. Get ready to fire up the grill for this easy, flavorful dish.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast – 1.5 lbs, cubed
• Cranberry sauce – 1 cup
• BBQ sauce – ½ cup
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp
• Salt – 1 tsp
• Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F).
2. Thread chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces.
3. Brush skewers with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
4. Grill skewers for 5 minutes, then flip.
5. Mix cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce in a bowl.
6. Brush skewers with the sauce mixture after flipping.
7. Grill for another 5 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
8. Remove from grill and let rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Skewers come out juicy with a perfect char. The cranberry BBQ glaze adds a sweet and smoky flavor. Serve over a bed of wild rice for a complete meal.

Cranberry BBQ Chicken Pizza

Savory meets sweet in this Cranberry BBQ Chicken Pizza. Perfect for a quick dinner or game day snack.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough – 1 lb
• BBQ sauce – ½ cup
• Cooked chicken – 1 cup, shredded
• Cranberry sauce – ¼ cup
• Mozzarella cheese – 1 ½ cups, shredded
• Red onion – ¼ cup, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface to a 12-inch circle.
2. Spread BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border for the crust.
3. Top with shredded chicken, dollops of cranberry sauce, and sliced red onion.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the toppings.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. Tip: For a crispier crust, preheat a pizza stone with the oven.
6. Let the pizza cool for 2 minutes before slicing. Tip: Use a pizza cutter for clean slices.
7. Serve immediately. Tip: Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Flavorful with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, this pizza is a crowd-pleaser. Try serving with a side of ranch dressing for dipping.

Spicy Cranberry BBQ Chicken Wings

Absolutely everyone needs a go-to wing recipe that packs a punch. These Spicy Cranberry BBQ Chicken Wings are just that—bold, tangy, and irresistibly crispy.

Ingredients

• Chicken wings – 2 lbs
• Cranberry sauce – 1 cup
• BBQ sauce – ½ cup
• Hot sauce – 2 tbsp
• Garlic powder – 1 tsp
• Salt – 1 tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
2. In a bowl, mix cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, and salt. Tip: For smoother sauce, blend cranberry sauce first.
3. Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels. Tip: Dry wings crisp better.
4. Toss wings in half the sauce until evenly coated.
5. Arrange wings on the baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Bake for 25 minutes. Flip wings. Bake another 20 minutes until crispy.
7. Brush wings with remaining sauce. Broil for 2 minutes for a sticky glaze. Tip: Watch closely to avoid burning.

Glazed to perfection, these wings offer a sticky, spicy-sweet bite with a satisfying crunch. Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing to balance the heat.

Cranberry BBQ Chicken Salad

Ready to shake up your salad game? This Cranberry BBQ Chicken Salad combines sweet and smoky flavors for a quick, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast – 1 lb
• BBQ sauce – ½ cup
• Dried cranberries – ¼ cup
• Mixed greens – 4 cups
• Red onion – ¼ cup, thinly sliced
• Olive oil – 1 tbsp
• Salt – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Season chicken breast with salt and rub with olive oil.
3. Bake chicken for 25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
5. Toss shredded chicken with BBQ sauce in a bowl.
6. In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, dried cranberries, and red onion.
7. Add BBQ chicken to the salad bowl and gently toss to combine.
8. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Amazingly versatile, this salad offers a crunchy texture with a perfect balance of sweet and smoky. Try serving it in a wrap for a portable lunch option.

Baked Cranberry BBQ Chicken Thighs

Holiday meals just got easier with this simple yet flavorful dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs – 6
• BBQ sauce – 1 cup
• Cranberry sauce – ½ cup
• Salt – 1 tsp
• Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Season chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. Tip: Pat the chicken dry before seasoning for better browning.
3. Mix BBQ sauce and cranberry sauce in a bowl. Tip: Use whole berry cranberry sauce for texture.
4. Coat chicken thighs evenly with the sauce mixture.
5. Place chicken in a baking dish, skin side up. Tip: Line the dish with foil for easy cleanup.
6. Bake for 35 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Out of the oven, the chicken is juicy with a sticky, tangy glaze. Serve over rice or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cranberry BBQ Chicken Sliders

Make these Cranberry BBQ Chicken Sliders for a quick, flavorful meal. Perfect for gatherings or a simple dinner, they combine sweet and tangy flavors effortlessly.

Ingredients

– Chicken breast – 1 lb
– BBQ sauce – 1 cup
– Dried cranberries – ½ cup
– Slider buns – 6
– Olive oil – 1 tbsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chicken breast, cooking for 5 minutes on each side until golden. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.
3. Remove chicken from pan, let it cool for 2 minutes, then shred it using two forks.
4. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and dried cranberries until well combined. Tip: For extra flavor, let the mixture sit for 10 minutes before assembling.
5. Spoon the chicken mixture onto the bottom halves of the slider buns. Cover with the top halves.
6. Wrap each slider in aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. Tip: This step melts the flavors together and slightly toasts the buns.
7. Remove from oven, unwrap, and serve immediately.
Oven-baked to perfection, these sliders offer a juicy texture with a delightful crunch from the cranberries. Serve them with a side of coleslaw for a complete meal.

Cranberry BBQ Chicken Tacos

Savor the perfect blend of sweet and smoky with these Cranberry BBQ Chicken Tacos. They’re quick to make and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

– Chicken breast – 1 lb – BBQ sauce – ½ cup – Dried cranberries – ¼ cup – Tortillas – 8 – Olive oil – 1 tbsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat (375°F). 2. Brush chicken breast with olive oil and season lightly. 3. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Tip: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices. 4. While chicken cooks, mix BBQ sauce and dried cranberries in a small saucepan over low heat for 3 minutes. Tip: Stir constantly to prevent sticking. 5. Slice chicken into thin strips. 6. Warm tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side. Tip: Keep tortillas warm by wrapping them in a clean towel. 7. Assemble tacos with chicken, topped with cranberry BBQ sauce. Uplift your taco night with the tangy twist of cranberry in the BBQ sauce. The chicken stays juicy, and the sauce adds a vibrant color and flavor. Try serving with a side of slaw for extra crunch.

Cranberry BBQ Chicken Flatbread

Outstanding for a quick dinner or party snack, this Cranberry BBQ Chicken Flatbread combines sweet and smoky flavors effortlessly. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

– Flatbread – 1 large
– Cooked chicken – 1 cup, shredded
– BBQ sauce – ½ cup
– Cranberry sauce – ¼ cup
– Mozzarella cheese – 1 cup, shredded
– Red onion – ¼ cup, thinly sliced
– Cilantro – 2 tbsp, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Place flatbread on a baking sheet. Spread BBQ sauce evenly over the surface.
3. Top with shredded chicken, cranberry sauce, and red onion.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and edges are crisp.
6. Remove from oven and let cool for 2 minutes.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Tip: For extra crispiness, broil the flatbread for the last 2 minutes of baking.
Tip: Use leftover rotisserie chicken for ease and added flavor.
Tip: If cranberry sauce is too thick, warm it slightly for easier spreading.
You’ll love the crispy edges against the gooey cheese, with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Try serving with a side of extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

Cranberry BBQ Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Fancy a twist on stuffed peppers? These Cranberry BBQ Chicken Stuffed Peppers blend sweet and smoky flavors effortlessly. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

Ingredients

– Bell peppers – 4 large
– Chicken breast – 1 lb, cooked and shredded
– BBQ sauce – 1 cup
– Dried cranberries – ½ cup
– Shredded cheddar cheese – 1 cup
– Olive oil – 1 tbsp

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut tops off bell peppers; remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and dried cranberries.
4. Stuff each pepper with the chicken mixture.
5. Place peppers in a baking dish; drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 25 minutes.
7. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top; bake for 5 more minutes or until cheese melts.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tip: For extra flavor, brush the peppers with BBQ sauce before baking.
Tip: Use a mix of colored peppers for a vibrant presentation.
Tip: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding to avoid dryness.
Lusciously tender peppers with a smoky-sweet filling make this dish a crowd-pleaser. Serve with a side of coleslaw or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.

Cranberry BBQ Chicken and Rice Casserole

Yield a comforting weeknight dinner with this cranberry BBQ chicken and rice casserole. It’s a sweet and savory dish that comes together effortlessly.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts – 2, diced
• BBQ sauce – 1 cup
• Cranberry sauce – 1 cup
• White rice – 1 cup
• Chicken broth – 2 cups
• Salt – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix diced chicken with BBQ sauce and cranberry sauce. Tip: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
3. Spread the rice evenly at the bottom of a greased casserole dish.
4. Pour the chicken and sauce mixture over the rice.
5. Add chicken broth and salt to the casserole dish. Tip: Ensure the broth covers the rice completely for even cooking.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Tip: Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes to let the top brown slightly.
7. Remove from oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

The casserole emerges with a sticky, caramelized top and tender chicken. Serve it with a side of steamed greens for a balanced meal.

Cranberry BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Whipping up a quick and flavorful meal doesn’t get easier than this. Cranberry BBQ Chicken Quesadillas combine sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors in a crispy package.

Ingredients

• Flour tortillas – 4
• Cooked chicken – 2 cups, shredded
• Cranberry sauce – ½ cup
• BBQ sauce – ¼ cup
• Shredded cheese – 1 cup
• Butter – 2 tbsp

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt 1 tbsp butter.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet. Spread ¼ cup cranberry sauce evenly over the tortilla.
3. Layer ½ cup chicken, 1 tbsp BBQ sauce, and ¼ cup cheese on half of the tortilla.
4. Fold the tortilla in half. Press down gently with a spatula.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Flip carefully. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove from skillet. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
7. Tip: For extra crispiness, brush the outside of the tortilla with melted butter before cooking.
8. Tip: Mix the cranberry and BBQ sauces beforehand for even distribution.
9. Tip: Let the quesadilla sit for a minute before cutting to keep the fillings inside.

Absolutely bursting with flavor, these quesadillas offer a perfect crunch with every bite. Serve with a side of sour cream or extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

Conclusion

Outstanding flavors await in these 12 cranberry BBQ chicken recipes, perfect for adding a festive twist to your meals. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply spicing up dinner, there’s a recipe here to delight every palate. Don’t forget to share which one you loved most in the comments and pin your favorites to Pinterest for others to discover. Happy cooking!