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Sweet and Savory Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Creamy Ricotta served in a baking dish, garnished with parsley.

Sweet & Savory Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Creamy Ricotta

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Transform your weeknight dinner with this effortlessly elegant Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake. Juicy chicken breasts are bathed in a vibrant, sweet-tart honey-cranberry glaze, then baked to golden perfection alongside dollops of creamy, cooling ricotta cheese. This one-pan wonder comes together in just 40 minutes, offering a burst of comforting flavors and a touch of gourmet flair. It’s the ultimate flavor-packed solution for a busy evening, promising a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to clean up.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, dried thyme, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir in the dried cranberries.
  3. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over both sides of the chicken.
  4. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spoon about half of the honey-cranberry mixture evenly over the chicken.
  5. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly cooked through (internal temperature reaches about 160°F/71°C).
  6. Remove the baking dish from the oven. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over and around the chicken. Spoon the remaining honey-cranberry mixture over the ricotta and chicken.
  7. Return to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the ricotta is warmed through.
  8. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy immediately with your favorite side dishes!

Notes

For an extra pop of color and freshness, a squeeze of fresh orange juice can be added to the glaze. This bake pairs wonderfully with wild rice, roasted green beans, or a simple side salad. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Author: Cook Reel ™
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American Comfort

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Find it online: https://cookreel.com/easy-honey-cranberry-chicken-bake/

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