Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add ricotta cheese: Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over each chicken breast, which will melt into a creamy topping during baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
