Cherries Jubilee Chicken Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Cherries Jubilee Chicken Recipe with you! It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together with such ease — perfect for impressing dinner guests or just elevating a weekday meal. The juicy chicken breast is bathed in a luscious, tangy cherry sauce that’s sweet with a little kick from chili sauce, creating a flavor combo that’s unexpectedly delicious.

Whenever I make this, it’s a hit because it balances savory and sweet in the best way. Plus, it’s a great recipe to prep in advance since it marinates in the fridge for a few hours, letting those cherries and spices really sink in. If you love dinners with vibrant, fresh fruit flavors mixed into your meat dishes, you’re going to love this Cherries Jubilee Chicken Recipe.

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cherries Jubilee Chicken Recipe shines because each ingredient brings its own magic, from juicy fruitiness to savory layers. Choosing good-quality cherries and fresh chicken makes a huge difference, and the chili sauce adds just enough zing to keep things interesting.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean and tender, these cook evenly and soak up the marinade really well.
• Cream sherry: Adds a subtle depth and slight sweetness that enhances the cherry flavor beautifully.
• Olive oil: Helps coat the chicken and meld all the marinade ingredients together.
• Minced onion: Brings a bit of texture and a mild savory pop without overpowering.
• Garlic powder: Perfect for an easy garlic flavor that blends smoothly into the sauce without any burning.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and helping all the other flavors pop.
• Black pepper: Adds just the right touch of heat and complexity.
• Chili sauce: Balances the sweet cherries with a tangy, spicy kick — key for the signature flavor.
• Dark cherries in juice, pitted: The star ingredient that gives this dish its vibrant sweetness and gorgeous color.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love customizing this recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. Sometimes I swap out cream sherry for a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra tang, or add a bit of fresh thyme to the marinade. You should definitely make this recipe your own!

• Variation: Adding freshly chopped thyme or rosemary gives it a herby twist that’s fantastic for fall dinners.
• Make it spicier: If you like heat, stir in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chili sauce mixture.
• For a tangy twist: Replace cream sherry with dry white wine or apple cider vinegar for a brighter flavor.
• Diet-friendly swap: Use a sugar-free chili sauce if you’re watching your sugar intake—just the same great flavor.

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

Step 1: Marinate for maximum flavor

Start by placing your chicken breasts in a large baking dish. Then, mix together the cherries (with their juice), olive oil, cream sherry, minced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated—flip them over once or twice during if possible. Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hours. This step is the secret to juicy, flavorful chicken, so don’t skip or rush it!

Step 2: Prepare the sauce and start baking

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, mix your chili sauce with the cherries in juice. Pour this mixture evenly over the marinated chicken, then cover the dish tightly with foil to keep everything moist during baking.

Step 3: Bake until perfectly cooked

Bake covered for 45-55 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should read 165°F. That’s the sweet spot for juicy, fully cooked chicken without drying out. When done, let it rest a few minutes before serving to allow those juices to redistribute.

How to Serve Cherries Jubilee Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and a lemon wedge on the side to brighten each bite. Sometimes, toasted slivered almonds add a nice crunch that contrasts with the tender chicken and silky sauce.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. For a lighter touch, steamed green beans or a crisp mixed greens salad with vinaigrette work perfectly. I often go for roasted veggies in the fall for a comforting, well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this chicken over a bed of wild rice and garnished with edible flowers for that wow factor. It also looks lovely plated with a swirl of the cherry sauce artfully drizzled alongside, making it feel extra special without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, but a quick reheat will bring it back to that lovely silky texture. I always find the flavors deepen overnight, so leftovers taste even better the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully by letting the cooked chicken cool completely, then packing chicken and sauce together in freezer-safe containers. It’s best eaten within 2 months. When thawed, the sauce stays flavorful, though the chicken texture softens slightly, so I recommend using it in casseroles or served with rice after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Cover with a lid to keep moisture in, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Oven reheating at 325°F with foil covering also works well for even heating without drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cherries Jubilee Chicken Recipe is one of those special dishes I keep coming back to because it’s so surprisingly simple yet feels upscale. It’s perfect when you want to bring something a little different to the table without stressing over complicated cooking. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s a total crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Print