Name: Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt, to taste; 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

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Tender chicken breasts are topped with fresh cranberries, creamy ricotta, and a touch of honey for a comforting, elegant dish that’s easy to prepare.

The dish shows four golden-brown grilled chicken breasts placed side by side in a white oval dish. Beneath the chicken breasts is a thick layer of soft, white cheese spread unevenly, resembling ricotta or cottage cheese. Around and on top of the chicken breasts are glossy, deep red cranberries and clusters of toasted brown pecans, adding texture and color contrast. Bright green sprigs of rosemary are placed neatly on each chicken breast, adding freshness and visual interest. The whole dish glistens with a light, shiny glaze or sauce that pools slightly at the bottom. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme.
Step 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.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together honey and balsamic vinegar. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken.
Step 5: Sprinkle the cranberries evenly over the top of the chicken breasts.
Step 6: Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over each chicken breast.
Step 7: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cranberries are slightly caramelized.
Step 8: If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a toasted crunch.
Step 9: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh cranberries in season for the best flavor, or thaw frozen cranberries before using.
Substitute goat cheese for ricotta if you prefer a tangier taste.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Serve with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

The image shows two raw chicken breasts with a shiny, pink texture placed on a white cutting board in the center right of the frame. To the left, there are three small bowls: one filled with bright red cranberries, another with white and slightly crumbly cheese, and the last one with small white pieces that resemble chopped nuts or more cheese. In front of the bowls, a small glass jar containing golden honey with sparkles catches the light. To the right of the chicken, a small bunch of fresh green thyme sprigs lies next to the cutting board. All ingredients are placed on a white marbled surface with warm natural light casting soft shadows. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking and to achieve the right texture. If using frozen, thaw completely before preparing.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving to ensure freshness and optimal texture.