Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese is an easy, flavor-packed dinner ready in just 40 minutes. The combination of sweet honey, tart cranberries, and creamy ricotta creates a deliciously balanced meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional for crunch)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly golden, then transfer them to the prepared baking dish.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together honey and balsamic vinegar. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the cranberries evenly over the top of the chicken breasts.
6. Step 6: Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over each chicken breast.
7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cranberries are slightly caramelized.
8. Step 8: If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans on top during the last 5 minutes of baking to add a toasted crunch.
9. Step 9: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh cranberries for a tart burst or frozen if out of season; just ensure they are rinsed and thawed.
• Substitute ricotta with goat cheese for a tangier flavor.
• Add a splash of orange juice to the honey-balsamic mixture to enhance the fruity notes.
• For a nut-free version, omit pecans or replace with toasted sunflower seeds.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, taking care not to overcook the chicken to keep it moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They may require a few extra minutes to cook through due to their higher fat content.

Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?

You can assemble the chicken, cranberry, and honey mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. However, add the ricotta cheese and pecans just before baking for the best texture and freshness.

Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 103 reviews

This Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese is a simple, flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are seared and then baked with a sweet and tangy honey-balsamic glaze, fresh cranberries, and creamy ricotta cheese. Topped with crunchy pecans and fresh parsley, this dish offers a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and tart in just 40 minutes.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)

Sauce and Toppings

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional for crunch)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and help with even cooking.
2. Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme to enhance the flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for 2–3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust, which locks in juices and adds flavor. Then transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish.
4. Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey and balsamic vinegar until smooth and well combined.
5. Assemble Bake: Pour the honey-balsamic mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Sprinkle fresh or frozen cranberries over the top to add a burst of tartness.
6. Add Ricotta: Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese on top of each chicken breast, which will melt and provide a creamy texture during baking.
7. Bake: Place the dish uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C) and cranberries are slightly caramelized.
8. Add Pecans (Optional): If using, sprinkle chopped pecans on the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking to toast them lightly and add crunch.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish before serving.

Notes

• For a nuttier flavor, substitute pecans with toasted walnuts or almonds.
• Use fresh cranberries if you prefer a firmer texture, or frozen cranberries for convenience; either works well.
• You can substitute ricotta cheese with cream cheese or goat cheese for a different creamy taste.
• Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
• This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple green salad.

Keywords: honey cranberry chicken, baked chicken recipe, ricotta chicken bake, easy chicken dinner, weeknight meal