Cranberry-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs braise in a sweet-tart cranberry sauce with roasted sweet potatoes, creating a balanced weeknight dinner that requires minimal hands-on time. This american-inspired slow cooker (gluten-free) ready in about 375 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, medium, peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, fresh cranberries for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.6 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 4 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a 6-quart slow cooker over medium heat until shimmering, then add 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs and sear for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 medium peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, 1/2 cup diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp dried thyme to the slow cooker, stirring to combine.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup fresh cranberries, 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth, and 2 tbsp maple syrup, then sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and sweet potatoes are fork-tender.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cranberry-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cranberry-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cranberry-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cranberry-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cranberry-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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