Name: Cheesy Chicken Bake with Cranberries and Ricotta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries; 3 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional for crunch); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

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Introduction

This chicken bake with ricotta cheese is a delightful, flavor-packed dinner you can prepare in just 40 minutes. The combination of tender chicken, sweet cranberries, and creamy ricotta creates a perfect balance of tastes and textures that’s sure to impress your family or guests.

A white oval dish filled with four golden-brown cooked chicken breasts arranged in a row, each topped with sprigs of fresh green rosemary and bright red cranberries. Around and beneath the chicken are clusters of soft white cheese, deep red cranberries, and glossy brown pecan halves, all sitting in a light sauce that glistens in the light. Small pieces of chopped green herbs are sprinkled over the entire dish, adding extra color and texture. The dish is set on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional for crunch)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly golden, then transfer to the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together honey and balsamic vinegar. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken.
Step 5: Sprinkle the cranberries evenly over the top of the chicken breasts.
Step 6: Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over each chicken breast.
Step 7: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cranberries are slightly caramelized.
Step 8: If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a toasted crunch.
Step 9: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with the seasoning and olive oil for 30 minutes before searing.
Substitute pecans with toasted walnuts or almonds for a different crunch.
If fresh cranberries aren’t available, use dried cranberries soaked briefly in warm water to soften.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey-balsamic glaze for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10–15 minutes, to preserve the texture of the chicken and toppings.

How to Serve

A close-up of four golden-brown cooked chicken breasts arranged in a row inside a white baking dish, each breast topped with a dollop of soft white cheese, a sprig of fresh green rosemary, and scattered pecans and bright red cranberries around and on top. The chicken is sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs, sitting in a glossy, dark sauce with more cranberries and pecans surrounding the pieces. The dish is set on a white marbled surface, highlighting the rich colors and textures of the meal. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Adjust the baking time slightly as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.

Is ricotta cheese essential in this recipe?

Ricotta adds a creamy, mild richness that balances the tart cranberries, but you can substitute with cream cheese or cottage cheese if desired, though the texture and flavor will vary.