This recipe is a MUST around the holidays, but I make it all year long

This Recipe Is a MUST Around the Holidays, But I Make It All Year Long: Creamy Cranberry Chicken Bake

When the festive season rolls around, there are certain dishes that feel like they belong to the holidays — rich, comforting, and filled with nostalgic flavors. One such dish is the Creamy Cranberry Chicken Bake, a perfect blend of savory and sweet, with a creamy herb sauce and tart cranberries bursting in every bite. While it’s a holiday staple in many homes, this recipe is so delicious and simple that I find myself making it throughout the year.

📝 Why This Recipe Works Year-Round

Easy Prep: Minimal chopping, all-in-one baking.
Flavor Explosion: Sweet cranberries, creamy herbs, and juicy chicken.
Flexible: Great for dinner parties, meal prep, or a cozy Sunday meal.
Seasonal Adaptability: Fresh cranberries in winter, dried ones the rest of the year.

🧺 Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this festive-yet-everyday comfort food:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup dried cranberries (or fresh/frozen during holidays)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chicken broth or water
Optional garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped pecans

🍳 Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish (9×13 inch works well) with olive oil or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear each side for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden (they don’t need to be fully cooked). Transfer them to the baking dish.