Cherries Jubilee Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking to impress with something a little different yet totally doable, this Cherries Jubilee Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. I stumbled on it when I wanted a fresh twist on weeknight chicken, and it’s quickly become a favorite for anytime I want something flavorful but fuss-free. The blend of tart cherries and sweet chili sauce creates this amazing glaze that feels fancy but actually comes together in no time.

What I love most about this Cherries Jubilee Chicken Recipe is how well it balances sweet, savory, and tangy without needing a ton of ingredients or complicated steps. It’s perfect for casual dinners or when guests unexpectedly drop by because it looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen — but the secret is all in the marinade and baking time. You’re going to enjoy how juicy the chicken stays, along with that wonderfully vibrant cherry sauce.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cherries Jubilee Chicken Recipe uses ingredients that complement each other beautifully — from the acidity of sherry to the sweetness of cherries and the depth of chili sauce. Choosing good quality cherries and a flavorful chili sauce makes all the difference, so keep an eye out for those at your store.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless skinless ones cook evenly and soak up the marinade perfectly.
• Cream sherry: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth that lifts the sauce — don’t skip it for an authentic flavor.
• Olive oil: Helps the marinade coat the chicken and keeps it juicy during baking.
• Minced onion: Gives a subtle savory base without overpowering the fruit flavors.
• Garlic powder: Adds warm, comforting notes that balance the tart cherries.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all other flavors.
• Chili sauce: This is key for that signature sweet and spicy glaze — pick one you like the taste of.
• Dark cherries in juice: Using jarred cherries saves time and adds vibrant color plus natural sweetness with the juice enhancing sauce consistency.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I adore about this Cherries Jubilee Chicken Recipe is how flexible it is — I often tweak it depending on what’s in my pantry or the occasion. You can personalize the heat level, swap ingredients, or even try different cherry types, making it your own in no time.

• Variation: I sometimes add a dash of smoked paprika to give it a subtle smoky vibe that pairs beautifully with the cherry glaze.
• Dietary modification: For a lower sodium version, reduce the salt and opt for a low-sodium chili sauce — still delicious!
• Seasonal change: Fresh cherries when in season are fantastic here, just lightly crushed with a touch of sugar instead of the jarred ones.
• Difficulty levels: If you want to speed things up, marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes and bake, though 3-4 hours gives the best flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cherries Jubilee Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate Like a Pro

Start by placing your chicken breasts in a large baking dish. Mix together the jarred cherries with their juice, olive oil, minced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then pour this over the chicken. Make sure to flip each breast so they’re well coated — marinating for 3 to 4 hours in the fridge lets the flavors really sink in and tenderizes the meat beautifully. I’ve found that even getting the chicken coated well at this stage means your sauce will have real depth by the time you bake it.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, mix the chili sauce with the pitted dark cherries and their juice from earlier. Pour this mixture evenly over the marinated chicken in the dish. This extra layer of flavor solidifies the ‘jubilee’ feel — sweet, tangy, and a bit spicy — acting like a glaze that caramelizes as the chicken bakes.

Step 3: Slow and Steady Baking

Cover the baking dish with foil to trap moisture so the chicken remains tender and juicy. Bake for about 45 to 55 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken hits 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cutting into the thickest part to check that juices run clear works fine. Just avoid skipping the foil—it really keeps the sauce from drying out and the chicken perfectly moist.

How to Serve Cherries Jubilee Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme to brighten up the rich sauce. A few fresh cherries on top add a pretty pop of color and hint at what’s inside the dish, making it feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes, soaking up all that luscious sauce. Roasted green beans or a crisp salad add the fresh crunch your plate needs to balance flavors and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like serving this Cherries Jubilee Chicken on a bed of wild rice with a garnish of mint and edible flowers, which really wows guests without extra fuss. You could also plate each breast individually with a dollop of crème fraîche or Greek yogurt to cut through the sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, let the chicken cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. I keep leftovers in the fridge where they last about 3-4 days. The sauce thickens beautifully overnight, making for even more intense flavor the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this chicken a couple of times by portioning out the breasts along with sauce in meal prep containers. It freezes well and can be stored for up to 2 months. Just thaw fully overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F wrapped in foil to prevent drying out, or warm in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel. Stir sauce occasionally to keep it from separating and to keep that lovely glossy texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Cherries Jubilee Chicken Recipe a go because it’s one of those rare dishes that feels decadent but is actually quite simple — a real win in my kitchen. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or when you want to surprise family and friends with a beautiful, tasty meal. I know once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again, just like I do!

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