Description
A sweet and savory baked chicken dish layered with tart cranberries, smooth ricotta, and a drizzle of honey this Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake is a festive, creamy comfort food perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
3/4 cup ricotta cheese
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup chicken broth
Zest of 1 orange (optional, for brightness)
Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
4. Transfer chicken to the prepared baking dish.
5. In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese with 1 tablespoon of honey and garlic. Spoon the mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
6. Top with cranberries and drizzle the remaining honey and chicken broth over the top.
7. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and cranberries are bubbling.
8. Garnish with fresh herbs and orange zest before serving.
Notes
Serve with wild rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
You can substitute goat cheese for ricotta for a tangier flavor.
Leftovers are delicious reheated — the flavors deepen overnight.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: honey cranberry chicken, baked chicken with ricotta, festive chicken dinner, holiday recipe, cranberry chicken bake