This Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Feta Cheese is a stunning, sweet-and-savory one-pan meal. The tart cranberries and sweet honey balance each other out into a rich, bubbling glaze, while the crumbly, salty feta adds an incredible savory contrast right at the end.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs if preferred)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme
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1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (or fresh/frozen cranberries roughly chopped)
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1/3 cup honey
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2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (adds a subtle zesty kick to balance the sweetness)
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1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
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Fresh parsley or thyme (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1.Prep the Oven and Pan:Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or olive oil.
2.Season the Chicken:Season with salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs.
Pat the chicken dry, season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and your dried herbs, and arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish.
3.Mix the Sauce:Whisk cranberry sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole berry cranberry sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined.
4.Coat with Cranberry Glaze:Pour evenly over the chicken breasts.
Spoon or pour the cranberry-honey mixture evenly over and around the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
5.Bake Until Cooked Through:Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is bubbling and slightly reduced.
6.Add Feta and Melt:Sprinkle feta and return to oven for 2 minutes.
Remove the dish from the oven and immediately scatter the crumbled feta cheese over the hot chicken and sauce. Return to the oven for 2–3 minutes just until the feta softens and warms through.
7.Rest and Serve:Garnish and serve warm.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, spoon the warm pan juices over the top, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve!
Serving Suggestions
Because of the rich, flavorful fruit glaze, this dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that let the sauce shine, such as garlic butter quinoa, wild rice pilaf, roasted green beans, or a crisp green salad with toasted pecans.
