Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors for a delightful weeknight dinner. The tender chicken breasts are topped with fresh cranberries, creamy ricotta, and a drizzle of honey-balsamic glaze, creating a comforting and elegant dish.

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 the 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 the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn lightly golden, then transfer them to the prepared baking dish.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and balsamic vinegar. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the cranberries evenly over the top of the chicken.
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 using, sprinkle chopped pecans on top during the last 5 minutes of baking to toast them lightly.
9. Step 9: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh cranberries for a tart burst or frozen cranberries if fresh aren’t available—just rinse and drain before use.
• For a creamier texture, gently mix the ricotta cheese with a little lemon zest before spooning it on top.
• Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different crunch and flavor profile.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a microwave or oven until heated through, taking care not to overcook the chicken and dry it out.

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 and tend to stay juicier. Adjust cooking time as needed, since thighs may require a few extra minutes to cook through.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare all the ingredients and assemble the dish a few hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 121 reviews

This Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors featuring tender chicken breasts topped with fresh cranberries, a honey-balsamic glaze, creamy ricotta cheese, and optional toasted pecans for crunch. Perfectly seared and baked to juicy perfection, this dish offers a festive and comforting meal ideal for any occasion.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Honey Cranberry Topping

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Cheese and Garnish

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional for crunch)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme for well-rounded flavor.
3. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a light golden crust. This step locks in juices and adds flavor. Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish.
4. Prepare honey-balsamic glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey and balsamic vinegar until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
5. Add cranberries: Sprinkle the fresh or frozen cranberries evenly over the top of the chicken, distributing them to ensure every bite has a burst of tartness.
6. Add ricotta cheese: Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over each chicken breast, which will melt into a creamy topping during baking.
7. Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and the cranberries slightly caramelized when done.
8. Toast pecans (optional): If using pecans, sprinkle them on top of the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow them to toast and add a delightful crunch.
9. Garnish and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a fresh and vibrant finish.

Notes

• You can substitute fresh cranberries with frozen ones; just do not thaw before adding to the dish.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey-balsamic glaze.
• Make sure not to overcook the chicken; use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Pecans add a nice crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free option.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Honey Cranberry Chicken, Baked Chicken Breast, Ricotta Cheese Chicken, Easy Chicken Dinner, Sweet and Savory Chicken