Description
This Sweet & Savory Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Feta Dreams is a delightful baked chicken recipe featuring a luscious honey and balsamic glaze, fresh cranberries, and topped with creamy feta cheese. It’s an easy one-dish meal combining sweet and tangy flavors that create a beautifully balanced dinner perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Glaze
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
Toppings & Garnish
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries (fresh recommended)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and black pepper for optimal flavor.
- Make the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, and your choice of dried thyme or rosemary until well combined to create a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish. Pour the honey-balsamic glaze evenly over the chicken, then scatter the cranberries on top to add a burst of tartness.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil to lock in moisture and bake for 20 minutes.
- Continue Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Add Feta Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the chicken, then return the dish to the oven for 5 minutes until the cheese softens and melts slightly.
- Optional Broil: For a golden and bubbly feta topping, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- Fresh cranberries are recommended for best flavor, but dried cranberries can be used as a substitute.
- If you prefer a stronger herb flavor, fresh thyme or rosemary can be substituted for dried herbs.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
- Broiling is optional but adds a beautifully browned, bubbly texture to the feta.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain moisture.
