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Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 101 reviews

This Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese is a delightful combination of tender chicken breasts, tangy cranberries, and creamy ricotta cheese, enhanced with the sweetness of honey and the depth of balsamic vinegar. The dish is finished with a crunchy topping of toasted pecans and fresh parsley, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures that’s easy to prepare for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 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

Fruit and Sauce

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Cheese and Toppings

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional for crunch)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme to infuse flavor.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a light golden crust, which helps lock in juices. Then, transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish.
  4. Make the honey balsamic glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and balsamic vinegar until smooth and well combined. Pour this glaze evenly over the seared chicken breasts in the baking dish.
  5. Add cranberries: Sprinkle fresh or frozen cranberries evenly over the top of each chicken breast to add a vibrant tartness that complements the sweetness.
  6. Add ricotta cheese: Spoon dollops of creamy ricotta cheese onto each chicken breast, which will melt slightly during baking adding richness and a delicate texture.
  7. Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the cranberries appear slightly caramelized.
  8. Add pecan crunch: If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans on top during the last 5 minutes of baking to toast them lightly, giving an added crunch and nutty flavor.
  9. Garnish and serve: Remove the dish from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness, and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Using fresh cranberries provides the best texture, but frozen can be used if fresh aren’t available.
  • Ensure not to overbake the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • The pecans add a nice crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
  • Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cream cheese for a slightly different flavor and texture.
  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in honey and balsamic mixture for 30 minutes before searing.

Keywords: honey cranberry chicken, baked chicken breast, ricotta cheese chicken, easy chicken bake, cranberry chicken recipe

Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/honey-cranberry-chicken-bake-with-ricotta-cheese-recipe/