Name: Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing and searing); to taste Salt; to taste black pepper; 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)

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INTRODUCTION

Cooking can sometimes feel like a chore, but it doesn’t have to be! The Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese is a perfect solution. This dish is easy to make, bursting with wonderful flavors, and takes only 40 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re cooking for your family or friends, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, using simple ingredients, you can create a meal that looks and tastes like it took much longer to prepare.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

One of the best things about Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake is that it combines several flavors and textures in one dish. The sweet and tangy cranberries paired with honey create a lovely glaze for the chicken, making each bite delicious. Ricotta cheese adds a creamy texture that complements the juicy chicken perfectly. It’s a dish that’s not only flavorful but also visually appealing, with its vibrant colors from the cranberries and fresh parsley.

Additionally, this recipe is incredibly quick to make. In just 40 minutes, you can have a wholesome dinner ready to serve. It’s also easy to clean up, as everything is cooked in one baking dish. If you are looking for a weeknight meal that is both nutritious and satisfying, look no further than Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake!

HOW TO MAKE Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese

Making Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake is straightforward and fun. With just a few steps, you can create a delicious dinner that everyone will love. Follow the guide below to make your own Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To prepare this wonderful dish, you will need the following kitchen tools:

A baking dish (lightly greased)
A skillet
A whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
A small bowl

Ingredients You’ll Need:

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

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly golden, then transfer to the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, whisk together honey and balsamic vinegar. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
Sprinkle the cranberries evenly over the top of the chicken.
Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over each chicken breast.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cranberries are slightly caramelized.
If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a toasted crunch.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

HOW TO SERVE Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese

Serving Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake is easy. You can place the chicken breasts on a plate with the cranberry glaze drizzled over the top. The creamy ricotta cheese and vibrant cranberries make the dish look lovely. You can serve it with sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. The flavors work well with many side dishes, making it a versatile main course for any dinner.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When reheating, make sure the chicken is heated thoroughly to 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

For long-term storage, you can freeze the dish. Just make sure it is cooled down completely and placed in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake it again until hot.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake pairs well with various sides. Here are a few suggestions:

Rice: Serve with white rice, brown rice, or quinoa to absorb the sweet sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts roasted with a little olive oil and salt make a nutritious side.
Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a crunchy, refreshing contrast to the dish.

VARIATIONS

You can customize this recipe to suit your taste:

Different Chicken Cuts: Feel free to use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.
Cheese: If you want to change it up, try using goat cheese or cream cheese instead of ricotta.
Fruit Swap: Replace cranberries with cherries or blueberries for a different fruit flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar can be good substitutes.
Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
For a vegetarian alternative, try using firm tofu or portobello mushrooms marinated in the honey glaze.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese

If you want to make Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake ahead of time, follow these tips:

Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken and prepare the sauce the day before. Store them in the refrigerator.
Mix Ingredients: You can also mix the cranberries, honey, and balsamic vinegar and store them in a separate container before baking.
Assemble the Night Before: Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and place it in the fridge. Bake it when you are ready to eat.

This recipe is easy to prepare, so don’t stress about dinner! Just follow the simple steps, and you’ll have a tasty meal ready in no time. Enjoy your Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese!