Name: Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup fresh or 3/4 cup dried cranberries (soaked if dried); 1/4 cup honey; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 1–2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste

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This Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese is a cozy, sweet-and-savory dish that brings together tender baked chicken, juicy cranberries, a drizzle of golden honey, and creamy dollops of ricotta. I love how the tangy-sweet cranberries balance perfectly with the mild richness of the cheese and the savory flavors of the chicken. It’s elegant enough for guests but simple enough for a comforting weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s unexpected in the best way. The combination of sweet cranberries and honey with savory chicken is flavorful and unique, while the creamy ricotta adds a luxurious finish. Everything bakes together in one dish, soaking up each other’s flavors, and the result is tender, juicy, and beautifully balanced. It also looks impressive on the table with minimal effort. Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Olive oil
Garlic cloves
Fresh or dried cranberries
Honey
Ricotta cheese
Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
Salt
Black pepper

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
I season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a hot skillet or directly in the baking dish, I drizzle olive oil and sauté garlic just until fragrant.
I place the chicken in the dish, then scatter cranberries around it. If I’m using dried cranberries, I soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first to plump them up.
I drizzle honey generously over the chicken and cranberries, then spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over and around the chicken.
I top it with sprigs of rosemary or thyme for extra aroma and flavor.
I bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the top is golden.
I let it rest for a few minutes before serving, and spoon some of the pan juices over each piece.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes roughly 10–15 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to bake, so dinner is ready in around 40–45 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add sliced red onions or shallots to the dish for a deeper savory note. I’ve also stirred in a touch of balsamic vinegar for added complexity. For a spicier version, I sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika over the chicken. If I want to lighten it up, I use part-skim ricotta or skip it altogether and add goat cheese instead for a tangier finish.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. It also reheats well in the microwave—about 2 minutes per piece. I try to spoon some of the pan sauce over the top before reheating to keep it moist. Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, I often use frozen cranberries straight from the freezer. I don’t thaw them first—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

What type of honey works best?

I like using mild clover honey, but any variety works. For a deeper flavor, I sometimes use wildflower or orange blossom honey.

Is ricotta necessary?

I love the creamy texture ricotta brings, but if I don’t have it, I use goat cheese or even cream cheese in small dollops.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, bone-in chicken works, though I increase the baking time by about 10–15 minutes, depending on thickness. I check for doneness at 165°F (74°C).

What can I serve this with?

I usually pair it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or wild rice to soak up all the flavorful juices. A simple green salad also works great.

Conclusion

Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Ricotta Cheese is a cozy, flavor-packed dish that’s as easy as it is elegant. I love how the sweetness of the honey and cranberries melts into the savory chicken and creamy ricotta. It’s a unique take on baked chicken that always feels a little special, whether I’m cooking for company or just treating myself to something comforting and delicious.