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Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese Recipe

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4.4 from 291 reviews

Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese is a delightful and easy-to-make dinner recipe that combines juicy, seared chicken breasts with a sweet and tangy honey-balsamic glaze, fresh cranberries, and creamy ricotta cheese. Finished with optional toasted pecans for crunch and fresh parsley for garnish, this dish is bursting with flavor and comes together in just 40 minutes, perfect for a quick yet impressive weeknight meal.

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

Sauce 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 baking dish. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and prepare it for the chicken.
  2. Season the chicken. Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme to infuse flavor throughout 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, enhancing their flavor and texture.
  4. Prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and balsamic vinegar to create a sweet and tangy glaze that will coat the chicken during baking.
  5. Assemble for baking. Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish. Pour the honey-balsamic mixture evenly over the chicken to keep it moist and add flavor.
  6. Add cranberries. Sprinkle fresh or frozen cranberries evenly on top of the chicken breasts, which will caramelize and add a tart contrast while baking.
  7. Add ricotta cheese. Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over each chicken breast to introduce a creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the tart cranberries.
  8. Bake the chicken. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the cranberries look slightly caramelized.
  9. Add pecans (optional). During the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle chopped pecans over the chicken for a toasted crunch that adds texture and nutty flavor.
  10. Garnish and serve. Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, herbal finish. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese.

Notes

  • Using fresh cranberries is ideal for the best texture and flavor, but frozen can be used in a pinch—no need to thaw them beforehand.
  • Ensure the chicken is seared well to lock in juices and develop a golden color before baking.
  • Check chicken for doneness using a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking.
  • The ricotta cheese can be replaced with goat cheese if you prefer a tangier flavor.
  • For a gluten-free version, confirm all ingredients like balsamic vinegar are certified gluten-free.
  • Omit pecans or substitute with almonds or walnuts for different nutty textures or if you have nut allergies.

Keywords: Honey Cranberry Chicken, Baked Chicken, Ricotta Chicken Bake, Easy Dinner Recipe, Sweet and Savory Chicken

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