Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Feta Cheese Recipe
This Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Feta Cheese is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts glazed in a sweet and tangy honey-balsamic sauce, studded with fresh cranberries, and topped with creamy feta cheese. Perfect for an easy yet elegant dinner, it balances flavors beautifully and is garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Glaze
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
Other
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, balsamic vinegar, and dried thyme (or rosemary) until well combined to create a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Assemble Dish: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the honey glaze evenly over the chicken and scatter the cranberries around and on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook gently and the flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Add Feta: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and return the dish to the oven for 5 more minutes to slightly melt the cheese.
- Optional Broil: For a golden and slightly crispy top, broil the dish for 2–3 minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier and slightly richer flavor.
- Maple syrup can be used in place of honey for a milder sweetness and different flavor profile.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Keywords: Honey chicken bake, cranberry chicken, baked chicken with feta, Mediterranean chicken recipe, honey balsamic chicken
