Here’s a simple, flavorful weeknight meal that balances sweet, tart, and creamy textures for a dinner the whole family will enjoy.
introduction
This Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese – Easy, Flavor-Packed Dinner in 40 Minutes! combines seared chicken breasts with a bright cranberry-honey glaze and creamy ricotta for a quick, elegant dinner you can make any night. If you like easy baked chicken recipes with a touch of sweetness, you might also enjoy this baked cheesy chicken breasts recipe, which uses the same fuss-free baking technique.
why make this recipe
- Fast: Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish — great for busy weeknights.
- Balanced flavors: Honey and balsamic give sweetness and depth, cranberries add bright tartness, and ricotta provides a creamy finish.
- Minimal fuss: Sear, assemble, bake — no complicated steps or long marinating.
- Flexible: Use fresh or frozen cranberries and swap nuts or herbs depending on what you have.
how to make Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese – Easy, Flavor-Packed Dinner in 40 Minutes!
Start by seasoning and searing the chicken to lock in juices, then assemble the sweet-tart topping and dollops of ricotta before baking until the chicken is cooked through and cranberries are slightly caramelized. The sear helps keep the breasts juicy, and the ricotta melts gently into pockets of creamy richness.
Ingredients :
- 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
- 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
Directions :
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
<, p id=”instruction-step-2″>2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme., p id=”instruction-step-3″>3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly golden, then transfer to the prepared baking dish., id=”instruction-step-4″>4. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and balsamic vinegar. Pour this mixture over the chicken., id=”instruction-step-5″>5. Sprinkle the cranberries evenly over the top of the chicken., id=”instruction-step-6″>6. Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over each chicken breast., id=”instruction-step-7″>7. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cranberries are slightly caramelized., =”instruction-step-8″>8. If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a toasted crunch., =”instruction-step-9″>9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
how to serve Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese – Easy, Flavor-Packed Dinner in 40 Minutes!
- Serve over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttery polenta to soak up the honey-balsamic juices.
- Pair with roasted green beans, sautéed spinach, or a crisp mixed greens salad to balance the sweetness.
- Finish with extra chopped parsley and a light squeeze of lemon if you want an added bright note.
how to store Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese – Easy, Flavor-Packed Dinner in 40 Minutes!
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Keep rice or sides separate if possible.
- Reheat: Warm gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, or microwave covered in 30-second intervals.
- Freeze: You can freeze the cooked chicken (without fresh parsley or nuts) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese – Easy, Flavor-Packed Dinner in 40 Minutes!
- Even thickness: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Sear properly: A quick sear creates flavor and helps lock in juices; don’t crowd the pan.
- Cranberry options: Fresh cranberries will pop and caramelize beautifully; frozen work fine — no need to thaw.
- Ricotta texture: Use whole-milk ricotta for creamier results; dollop rather than spread so it stays distinct.
- Nut option: Add pecans or toasted walnuts in the last few minutes for crunch, or omit for nut-free.
variation (if any)
- Make it citrusy: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the honey-balsamic mix for a brighter profile.
- Herb swap: Use fresh thyme or rosemary instead of dried thyme for a more aromatic finish.
- Goat cheese variation: Swap ricotta for dollops of goat cheese for a tangier, creamier finish.
- Vegetarian twist: Use thick slices of roasted eggplant or portobello caps in place of chicken, adjusting baking time.
FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes — bone-in or boneless thighs work well; adjust baking time until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q: Are frozen cranberries OK?
A: Absolutely — add them frozen right on top; they’ll thaw and release juices as they bake.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can assemble the dish a few hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate; bring to room temperature before baking and add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Conclusion
This Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese is an effortless, 40-minute dinner that feels special without the fuss; for another recipe that pairs ricotta with sweet heat in an unexpected way, check out Grilled Hot Honey Ricotta Soppresseta Pizza – Stonefire Authentic ….
Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly golden, then transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey and balsamic vinegar. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the cranberries evenly over the top of the chicken.
- Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over each chicken breast.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cranberries are slightly caramelized.
- If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a toasted crunch.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
