Description
Honey Cranberry Chicken is a cozy baked dinner made with juicy chicken breasts, sweet honey glaze, tangy cranberries, and creamy ricotta cheese. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights but special enough for entertaining.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon dried thyme
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1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
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3 tablespoons honey
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1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
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Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Transfer to baking dish.
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In a small bowl, whisk together honey and balsamic vinegar. Pour evenly over the chicken.
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Scatter cranberries around and over the chicken. Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese on top.
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Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
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If using pecans, sprinkle them over the dish during the last 5 minutes of baking.
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Remove from oven, rest for a few minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
Frozen cranberries can be used straight from the freezer.
Whole-milk ricotta gives the creamiest texture, but part-skim works too.
Chicken thighs may be substituted for breasts; adjust cooking time as needed.
Delicious served over rice, mashed potatoes, or quinoa.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg