Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme to enhance the flavor.
- 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.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey and balsamic vinegar until smooth and well combined.
- 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.
- Add Ricotta: Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese on top of each chicken breast, which will melt and provide a creamy texture during baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
