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Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 100 reviews

This Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese is a deliciously easy and flavor-packed dinner perfect for a weeknight meal. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, then baked with a sweet and tangy honey-cranberry glaze, creamy ricotta cheese, and optional crunchy pecans for texture. Finished with fresh parsley, this recipe combines simple ingredients into an impressive and wholesome dish ready in just 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 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

Glaze 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

  1. 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.
  2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme, enhancing the flavor of the meat.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until they develop a light golden crust, which locks in juices and adds flavor. Then transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish.
  4. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey and balsamic vinegar until fully combined to create a sweet and tangy sauce that complements the chicken.
  5. Assemble the bake: Pour the honey-balsamic mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, then scatter the cranberries on top for tart bursts of flavor.
  6. Add ricotta cheese: Spoon generous dollops of ricotta cheese over each chicken breast to add a creamy richness that balances the tartness of the cranberries.
  7. Bake the dish: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the cranberries have softened and caramelized slightly.
  8. Optional pecan topping: If using pecans, sprinkle them on top during the last 5 minutes of baking to toast them lightly and add a crunchy texture contrast.
  9. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving for a fresh, herbaceous finish.

Notes

  • If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen cranberries work just as well; no need to thaw before using.
  • For even more depth, you can marinate the chicken in the honey-balsamic mixture for 30 minutes before searing.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and juiciness.
  • Walnuts or sliced almonds can be substituted for pecans if desired.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, quinoa, or a simple green salad.

Keywords: Honey Cranberry Chicken, Ricotta Chicken Bake, Easy Chicken Dinner, Baked Chicken Breast, Sweet and Tangy Chicken

Find it online: https://kochenmitviktoria.com/honey-cranberry-chicken-bake-with-ricotta-cheese-recipe/