I’ve nicknamed this 'Thanksgiving Sunshine'—a burst of flavor that warms the soul every time!

This slow cooker cranberry orange chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and savory, a dish that harks back to the comforting flavors of the Midwest. The tangy cranberries and zesty oranges remind me of the holiday season when my grandmother would prepare her famous cranberry sauce. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort, letting the slow cooker do all the work while you savor the aromas wafting through your home.

This dish pairs beautifully with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles, both of which soak up the delicious sauce. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted Brussels sprouts would add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the chicken. And don't forget a slice of warm, crusty bread to mop up every last bit of the tangy sauce.

Servings: 4

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
Zest of one orange

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.

In a medium bowl, combine the cranberries, orange juice, honey, soy sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken.

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside.

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce in the slow cooker to thicken it.

Return the chicken to the slow cooker and coat with the thickened sauce.

Sprinkle the orange zest over the top before serving.

For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also substitute chicken thighs for the breasts if you prefer a richer flavor. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, dried cranberries can be used, but reduce the honey to balance the sweetness. For a more pronounced citrus flavor, add a splash of lemon juice along with the orange juice.