Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese Recipe
Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dinner recipe that combines tender seared chicken breasts with a sweet and tangy honey-balsamic cranberry topping, finished with creamy ricotta cheese and optional toasted pecans for crunch. Ready in just 40 minutes, this flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
- 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 Seasoning
- 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
Cranberry Honey Sauce
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Toppings
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional for crunch)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme to enhance their flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until they develop a light golden crust, then transfer them to the prepared baking dish. This step locks in juices and adds flavor.
- Prepare Honey-Balsamic Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together honey and balsamic vinegar until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts to add a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Add Cranberries: Sprinkle fresh or frozen cranberries evenly over the top of the chicken to provide a burst of tartness and color.
- Add Ricotta Cheese: Spoon dollops of creamy ricotta cheese on top of each chicken breast to add richness and balance the tart cranberries.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cranberries have slightly caramelized.
- Add Pecans (Optional): If using pecans, sprinkle them over the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking to toast them lightly and add a delightful crunch.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh herbal finish and color contrast.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen cranberries; if using frozen, no need to thaw before adding.
- Make sure to not overbake the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Chopped pecans add nice texture but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
- This recipe works well with chicken thighs as an alternative to breasts for a juicier option.
Keywords: Honey Cranberry Chicken, Baked Chicken Recipe, Ricotta Cheese Chicken, Easy Chicken Dinner, Cranberry Sauce Chicken