If you are looking for a recipe that delivers comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance all in one, the Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious mixture of sweet honey and tart cranberries, all topped with creamy ricotta cheese that melts beautifully as it bakes. The flavors balance each other perfectly, bringing a cozy yet fresh taste to your table that’s both simple to prepare and impressive enough for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese Recipe plays a vital role, creating a harmony of flavors and textures. From the juicy chicken breasts to the fresh cranberries that pop with tartness, and the creamy ricotta that adds richness, each component helps make this dish truly special.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking and tender results.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries: These provide that signature tangy flavor that balances the honey’s sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a beautiful glaze over the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Offers a subtle tang and depth to the sauce that complements the honey and cranberries.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a warm, savory note essential for flavor layering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory aspect without adding moisture, maintaining texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning every bite with balanced flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it melts perfectly to add luscious softness atop the chicken.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Provides a fresh, herbaceous finish and lovely color contrast.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden-brown perfection.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional): An extra melty topping that adds richness and a delightful stretch.
How to Make Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the chicken cooks evenly without drying out, while letting the cheese melt to a golden, bubbly goodness.
Step 2: Mix the Honey Cranberry Sauce
In a small bowl, combine honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is the flavor powerhouse of the dish, marrying sweetness, tang, and spice into one irresistible sauce.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden. This step locks in the juices and adds a beautiful crust that enhances texture and flavor.
Step 4: Prepare Cranberries in the Skillet
After removing the seared chicken, add cranberries and your honey mixture into the same skillet. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cranberries soften – this creates a luscious, tangy sauce base that’s bursting with autumnal flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Bake
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the cranberry mixture. Spoon extra sauce over the breasts to infuse every bite with that vibrant flavor. Then, dollop seasoned ricotta cheese right on top to add a creamy contrast as it bakes.
Step 6: Add Optional Mozzarella and Bake
If you love a melty, cheesy topping, sprinkle mozzarella over the ricotta. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it’s juicy and safe to eat.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Once baked, let your dish rest for 5 minutes out of the oven, allowing the juices to settle. Finish by scattering fresh parsley across the top for a pop of color and an herbal brightness that complements the rich flavors beautifully.
How to Serve Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is the perfect finishing touch, adding not just visual appeal but a fresh, aromatic lift that brightens the richness of the dish. You might also consider a few extra cranberries for contrast or a light drizzle of honey to enhance the sweetness.
Side Dishes
This chicken bake pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy quinoa to soak up the sauce. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans add a delicious crunch while keeping the meal balanced and nutritious.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve this dish in individual oven-safe ramekins or a rustic cast-iron skillet right on the table. Layering additional fresh herbs or edible flowers can elevate the presentation, making it a stunning centerpiece for any dinner party or family gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, making for an easy next-day meal that tastes just as delightful as fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked chicken without the fresh parsley garnish for up to 2 months. Freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water before reheating helps retain moisture, keeping the dish tender and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just thaw them slightly before cooking to ensure they blend smoothly into the sauce.
Is ricotta cheese necessary for the dish?
Ricotta cheese adds a creamy texture and mild flavor that beautifully balances the tart cranberries and sweet honey. While it’s a highlight of the recipe, you could experiment with cream cheese or mascarpone for a similar effect.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it contains no wheat products. Just be sure that all your seasoning blends and mustard are labeled gluten-free if needed.
What can I use instead of mozzarella?
If you want to skip mozzarella or don’t have any on hand, feel free to omit it entirely or substitute with shredded cheddar or provolone for a different twist on the cheesy topping.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer — the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear, and the meat should feel firm but tender when properly cooked.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese Recipe enough for anyone craving a dish that’s both comforting and a little daring. It’s an easy way to bring sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors together in one skillet meal. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorites to impress family and friends time and time again.
Print
Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 35m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese is a delicious and comforting oven-baked dish featuring tender, seared chicken breasts smothered in a sweet and tangy honey cranberry sauce. Topped with creamy ricotta and optional mozzarella cheese, this recipe combines savory and fruity flavors for a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get ready for baking the chicken.
- Prepare the honey cranberry sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined for a flavorful sauce.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown to lock in juices.
- Set the chicken aside: Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate temporarily.
- Cook cranberries with sauce: In the same skillet, add cranberries and the prepared honey mixture. Stir to coat the cranberries and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and release their flavor.
- Return chicken to skillet: Nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet among the cranberries and spoon some of the honey cranberry sauce over each chicken piece.
- Add ricotta cheese topping: In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. Dollop this mixture evenly over each chicken breast for a creamy texture.
- Top with mozzarella (optional): If using, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the ricotta for extra richness.
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the oven-safe skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest before serving: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a fresh, herbaceous finish and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries depending on availability; frozen may require slightly longer cooking to soften.
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine or lemon juice to the sauce mixture.
- Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring contents to another dish for baking.
- Optional mozzarella cheese adds a melty, cheesy topping but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
