With 4 simple ingredients and fast prep, this BBQ Cranberry Chicken is the perfect weeknight win. It’s flavorful, family-friendly, and works just as well for a casual summer cookout as it does for a regular Tuesday dinner.

Looking for a quick and flavorful chicken recipe that actually delivers? This BBQ Cranberry Chicken is sweet, smoky, tangy—and ready in just 30 minutes! With only 4 ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute BBQs, or when you’re just too tired to think about what’s for dinner.
If you’re a fan of easy chicken dinners like our Teriyaki Chicken or crave something sweet and tangy like our Orange Chicken Rice Bowls, you’re going to want this one in your rotation.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Just 4 ingredients
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Grill or bake—it’s up to you!
- A total crowd-pleaser
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to about ¼” thick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (14 oz) can jellied cranberry sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (any kind you like!)
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill – Fire it up and let it heat for about 5 minutes.
- Season the Chicken – Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
- Grill the Chicken – Cook each side for 3–5 minutes over medium heat.
- Mix the Sauce – In a small bowl, combine cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce. Set aside half the mixture for serving.
- Baste + Finish Cooking – Brush the remaining sauce on the chicken and grill for about 5 more minutes, or until the internal temp hits 165°F.
- Serve + Enjoy – Plate the chicken and serve with the reserved sauce for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- Pound it out – Pounding the chicken helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Use a thermometer – Chicken is done at 165°F. No more guesswork!
- Add heat – Love a little spice? Use a spicy BBQ sauce or stir in a dash of hot sauce.
- No grill? No problem! – Bake in the oven at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, brushing with sauce halfway through.
What to Serve With BBQ Cranberry Chicken
Pair this sweet and smoky chicken with any of these easy sides:
HERE’S A PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE:
BBQ Cranberry Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin (about 1/4” thick)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 14 oz can jellied cranberry sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your grill for about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle both sides of your chicken breasts with salt & pepper.
- Place chicken on the grill and cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side.
- Meanwhile, mix the cranberry sauce and bbq sauce in a small mixing bowl. Reserve half for serving in a separate bowl
- Brush chicken with bbq mixture and cook until no longer pink, approximately 5 more minutes.
- Serve fresh from the grill with the reserved sauce.
bbq chicken is on my menu this week! Looks like I just need to go purchase some cranberry sauce!
Just found your blog….and I love it! Thanks for so many recipes that I now have to try too!!!
I am not a fan of cranberries, but I eat Chicken about four times a week, and this sounds so yummy! Guess what I am suggesting for dinner tomorrow?
Thank you!
This sounds yummy and I'm into EASY recipes! Thanks!
That sounds yummy! I happen to have all those ingredients I may just try it tonight!
Sounds great! It reminds me of a crock pot roast I make with a large can of cranberries (not the jelly) and one packet of onion soup mix… that's it! (Well, add 1 cup of water for extra moisture.)
I'm all about easy and tasty! (Hence the crock pot.)
I wish Mike liked stuff like this but his motto…meat and fruit don't mix! I on the other hand love the combo! Guess I'll just have to come over for dinner some time!