Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese

Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese

ByVerj Recipes

Some recipes just feel like a hug, and this Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake is one of them. It’s the kind of dish you make when the air feels a little cooler, when you want dinner to smell sweet and savory at the same time, and when you’re craving something comforting but still a bit special. The tangy pop of cranberries, the gentle sweetness of honey, and the creamy softness of ricotta melt together into something that tastes cozy, balanced, and quietly impressive. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, but lovely enough to serve when friends come over and you want the kitchen to feel warm and welcoming.

Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

  • 1/3 cup honey

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for topping)

  • Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven.
    Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy later.

  2. Make the honey cranberry sauce.
    In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and olive oil. Stir gently as it warms. After about 5–7 minutes, the cranberries will start to pop and soften, and the sauce will turn glossy and slightly syrupy. Take it off the heat and stir in the rosemary.

  3. Season the chicken.
    Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Lay them in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.

  4. Add the ricotta.
    Spoon about two tablespoons of ricotta over each chicken breast. Gently spread it across the top, like you’re tucking the chicken under a soft blanket.

  5. Top with cranberry sauce.
    Spoon the warm honey cranberry mixture evenly over the chicken. If you’re using mozzarella, sprinkle it on now for a bubbly, golden finish.

  6. Bake.
    Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (165°F / 74°C) and the top looks lightly golden and irresistible.

  7. Rest and finish.
    Let the dish rest for a few minutes out of the oven. This helps everything settle and keeps the chicken juicy.

Presentation

For a beautiful finish, scatter fresh thyme or parsley over the top just before serving. The green herbs pop against the ruby-red cranberries and creamy cheese. Serve this dish straight from the baking dish for a rustic, cozy feel, or plate it with a spoonful of sauce drizzled over the chicken. It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, wild rice, or creamy mashed potatoes that can soak up all that sweet-savory goodness.

Nutritional Information:

  • ⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes

  • 🔥 Kcal: 420 kcal per serving

  • 🍽️ Servings: 4 servings

Conclusion

This Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake is one of those recipes that feels comforting without being heavy, and special without being complicated. It’s creamy, tangy, lightly sweet, and full of cozy flavors that make you want to slow down and enjoy every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself to a warm, satisfying dinner, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Give it a try soon — your kitchen will smell amazing, and your plate will thank you.

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