Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese Recipe
This Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese is a delightful combination of savory chicken breasts topped with sweet honey and tangy cranberries, complemented by creamy ricotta and a crunchy pecan topping. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this baked dish offers vibrant flavors and a beautiful presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Toppings and Sauce
- 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
- 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.
- Season the Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme for a balanced, herby flavor base.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a light golden crust, adding extra flavor and sealing in juices. Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the greased baking dish.
- Mix and Pour Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey and balsamic vinegar until combined and pour this sweet and tangy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Add Cranberries: Evenly sprinkle fresh or frozen cranberries over the chicken to add bursts of tartness and color.
- Top with Ricotta: Spoon dollops of creamy ricotta cheese over each chicken breast to add richness and a smooth texture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and the cranberries begin to caramelize slightly.
- Add Pecans (Optional): During the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle chopped pecans over the chicken to toast them and add a crunchy texture contrast.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh herbal note, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries based on availability; no need to thaw frozen cranberries before use.
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken breasts in the honey-balsamic mixture for 30 minutes before searing.
- Make sure not to overbake the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Pecans are optional but recommended for added texture and nutty flavor.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a crispy green salad.
Keywords: honey cranberry chicken, baked chicken recipe, ricotta chicken bake, easy chicken bake, healthy chicken dinner, gluten free chicken recipe
