Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Feta Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Feta Cheese offers a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. It’s a simple yet elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Enjoy juicy chicken breasts baked in a honey-balsamic glaze topped with tart cranberries and creamy feta.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, and dried thyme or rosemary.
4. Step 4: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and pour the honey mixture evenly over them.
5. Step 5: Scatter the cranberries over the chicken and sauce.
6. Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Step 7: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the chicken and return the dish to the oven for 5 minutes to soften the cheese.
9. Step 9: (Optional) Turn on the broiler and broil for 2–3 minutes until the feta is golden and bubbly, watching carefully to avoid burning.
10. Step 10: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use dried cranberries if fresh ones are not available; soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to plump before using.
• Substitute goat cheese for feta for a creamier texture and tangy flavor.
• Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans before baking for extra crunch.
• Try fresh rosemary instead of thyme for a different herbal note.

Storage

Store any 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 use a microwave. Avoid reheating on high heat to keep the chicken tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?

Yes, bone-in chicken pieces can be used but will require a longer baking time. Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the chicken with the sauce and cranberries in the baking dish and refrigerate it uncovered for up to 4 hours before baking. Add the feta cheese towards the end as directed.

Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Feta Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 340 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake is a deliciously sweet and tangy dish featuring tender baked chicken breasts glazed with a honey balsamic sauce, topped with fresh or dried cranberries and crumbled feta cheese. Perfectly balanced with herbs like thyme or rosemary and garnished with fresh parsley, this recipe provides an easy yet elegant meal that’s ideal for any weeknight dinner or special occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Sauce and Toppings

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the honey, balsamic vinegar, and dried thyme or rosemary until well combined.
4. Arrange Chicken in Dish: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and pour the honey-balsamic mixture evenly over them.
5. Add Cranberries: Scatter the fresh or dried cranberries over the chicken and sauce to add bursts of sweetness and texture.
6. Initial Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow the chicken to start cooking and flavors to meld.
7. Continue Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink inside.
8. Add Feta Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the chicken and return the dish to the oven for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to soften.
9. Optional Broiling: For a golden, bubbly finish, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
10. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot for a delicious, satisfying meal.

Notes

• You can substitute dried cranberries with fresh if preferred, but dried offer a chewier texture and sweeter flavor.
• For a lower-sodium option, reduce added salt or opt for low-sodium feta.
• If you desire a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after baking, then simmer the sauce on stovetop until reduced.
• Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• This recipe pairs well with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Honey cranberry chicken, baked chicken recipe, chicken with feta, sweet and tangy chicken, easy chicken dinner, chicken bake recipe