Name: Cherries Jubilee Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 4 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; ½ cup cream sherry; ⅓ cup olive oil; 1 tablespoon minced onion; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 (12 oz) bottle chili sauce; 1 (13.5 oz) jar dark cherries in juice, pitted

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 14 reviews

If you love chicken recipes with a twist, this Cherries Jubilee Chicken Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine tender chicken breasts soaked in a wonderfully tangy and sweet cherry sauce, baked to juicy perfection. It’s one of those dishes that feels both comforting and a little fancy, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers where you want to impress without stressing.

I’ve made this recipe several times, and what I really appreciate is how the cherries add just the right balance of sweetness and acidity, complementing the savory chicken beautifully. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to throw together—just a little marinating and baking, and you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re craving something new or looking for a dish that pleases a crowd, this Cherries Jubilee Chicken Recipe will quickly become a favorite.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The cherry sauce blends sweetness and tanginess perfectly to elevate the chicken.
Simple Preparation: Marinating ahead and baking keeps it hassle-free without sacrificing taste.
Juicy, Tender Chicken: The marinade locks in moisture, so the chicken never dries out.
Versatile Meal: Great for casual dining or special occasions with minimal effort.

A close-up view of a cooked solo chicken breast piece held on a metal spatula with a wooden handle, showing a thick red sauce spread unevenly over the top, with a dark, slightly charred small round topping in the middle layer. The chicken is light golden brown with white visible under the sauce, and it sits above a glass baking dish holding similar chicken pieces in the background, filled with a red-brown sauce. The dish rests on a pink cloth surface, but the background is changed to a white marbled texture. The photo has a sharp focus on the single chicken piece with soft blur in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Cherries Jubilee Chicken Recipe plays an important role, creating a harmony of flavors that’s both comforting and memorable. Picking good-quality cherries and layering in spices truly makes all the difference.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: A lean and versatile protein that absorbs the marinade beautifully without overpowering the cherry sauce.
Cream sherry: Adds subtle depth and a touch of richness to the marinade; it tenderizes the chicken too.
Olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and carries the flavors of the herbs and spices through the dish.
Minced onion: Provides natural sweetness and a mild savory note to the marinade.
Garlic powder: Adds warmth and a punch of flavor without the sharpness of fresh garlic.
Salt and black pepper: Essential to season the chicken and enhance all the other ingredients.
Chili sauce: Brings a tangy and slightly spicy profile, complementing the cherries perfectly.
Dark cherries in juice (pitted): The star of the recipe, they add fruity sweetness and a beautiful rich color to the sauce.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

Personally, I love tweaking the spice level and adding a splash of citrus zest for a fresh zing. You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your cravings or dietary preferences—don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Variation: I sometimes swap cream sherry for a dry white wine when that’s what I have on hand—it works great and gives a similar depth.
Dietary modifications: For a lower sodium version, reduce the salt by half and opt for a low-sodium chili sauce.
Seasonal switch-up: Try swapping cherries for cranberries or even blueberries in the fall for a different fruity twist.

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

Step 1: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Start by placing the chicken breasts in a large baking dish. Whisk together the pitted cherries with their juice, olive oil, minced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then pour this mixture over the chicken. Flip each piece to coat thoroughly—this ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Cover the dish and pop it in the fridge for at least 3-4 hours. I’ve found that this patience really pays off by tenderizing the meat and infusing it with those delicious cherry notes.

Step 2: Prepare the Chili Cherry Sauce

Once your chicken has marinated, preheat your oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, combine the chili sauce with the cherries and their juice, stirring to blend. This sauce will bake on top of the chicken, creating that signature sweet-and-spicy glaze that makes this Cherries Jubilee Chicken Recipe truly shine.

Step 3: Bake Covered for Juicy Perfection

Pour the prepared chili cherry sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure every piece is nicely coated. Cover your baking dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture during baking. Then, bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 165°F. One thing I always recommend is to use a meat thermometer so you know it’s perfectly cooked—tender and juicy, not dry.

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Pro Tips for Making Cherries Jubilee Chicken Recipe

Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavors: If time allows, I marinate overnight to let the cherry and seasoning really seep into the chicken.
Use a Meat Thermometer: It’s the best way to avoid overcooking and end up with super juicy chicken every time.
Don’t Skip the Foil Cover: Covering traps steam, keeping the chicken moist and the sauce nicely syrupy.
Be Mindful of Cherry Juice Amount: Too much juice can make the sauce runny, so drain some if your cherries are extra juicy.

How to Serve Cherries Jubilee Chicken Recipe

A clear glass baking dish holds four pieces of browned chicken with a reddish-brown sauce covering parts of each piece. Each chicken piece is topped with a single black olive, and additional black olives rest in the sauce around the chicken. The sauce looks oily with a mix of dark brown and orange colors. The dish is placed on a red and white cloth over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or a bit of finely chopped scallions on top for a pop of color and a fresh bite. Sometimes a light dusting of toasted almond slivers adds a lovely crunch that stands out against the tender chicken.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious sauce. Roasted green beans or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette add a nice fresh contrast on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the chicken slices on a bed of wilted spinach, then drizzle extra cherry sauce over the top. Adding edible flowers or fresh cherries for garnish can make the dish feel truly festive and Instagram-worthy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftover Cherries Jubilee Chicken to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It stays good for about 3 days and tastes fantastic reheated.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing this recipe by portioning into freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to 3 months but I recommend thawing overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems thick. This keeps the chicken moist and prevents the sauce from sticking to the pan or drying out.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of jarred cherries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries can work well if they’re in season. Just pit them and add a little extra liquid, like a splash of water or cherry juice, to maintain the sauce’s moisture. Keep in mind fresh cherries are less sweet and may change the flavor slightly, but it can be a delightful fresh twist.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for 3-4 hours?

While you can bake the chicken right after mixing, marinating for at least 3 hours really makes the flavors shine and helps tenderize the meat. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes helps, but overnight is ideal.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! I recommend placing the marinated chicken and sauce in the slow cooker and cooking on low for about 4-5 hours. Just keep an eye on the liquid levels to avoid drying out, adding a little broth if needed.
What can I serve with Cherries Jubilee Chicken for a complete meal?

This chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes. A fresh green salad or sautéed greens help balance the richness of the sauce perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Cherries Jubilee Chicken Recipe has truly won a special place in my meal rotation because it’s easy yet impressive, with that unique cherry twist that keeps people asking for seconds. Cooking it feels like sharing a little piece of something special with friends or family, and I know you’ll enjoy making and eating it as much as I do. So go ahead, try it out in your kitchen—you might just find your new favorite chicken dish!