Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Feta Cheese Recipe
A delightful Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake featuring tender chicken thighs baked with a sweet and tangy honey cranberry sauce, topped with creamy feta cheese and fresh herbs for a perfect balance of flavors. This easy-to-make dish is ideal for a wholesome weeknight dinner or special occasion.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Honey Cranberry Sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp dried thyme
Topping
- ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and prepare it for the chicken.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle them evenly with olive oil and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
- Prepare Honey Cranberry Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the honey, dried cranberries, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended to create a flavorful sauce.
- Bake the Chicken: Pour the honey cranberry sauce evenly over the seasoned chicken in the baking dish. Place the dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Halfway through baking, spoon the sauce over the chicken to keep it moist and infused with flavor. Bake until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is nicely glazed.
- Add Feta & Finish: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the chicken. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the feta softens and turns golden at the edges.
- Serve: Garnish the finished dish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a burst of herbal freshness. Serve warm with your choice of roasted vegetables, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Chicken thighs provide more moisture and flavor, but chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure your Dijon mustard is gluten-free.
- You can substitute dried cranberries with fresh or frozen ones if desired, adjusting cooking time slightly.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey to 2 tablespoons.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh or breast with sauce and feta
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Honey Cranberry Chicken, Baked Chicken, Feta Cheese Chicken, Sweet and Tangy Chicken, Easy Dinner Recipe