This Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Feta Cheese is a dish that feels festive yet simple enough for a weeknight. It brings together tender baked chicken, a sweet-tart cranberry glaze, and the creamy saltiness of crumbled feta — a combination that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The honey balances the cranberries’ tang, creating a glossy sauce that caramelizes perfectly in the oven. I first made this recipe during the holidays, and it quickly became a year-round favorite. The flavors are fresh, the preparation is easy, and the result is an impressive main course that tastes like it came straight out of a bistro kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory. The honey and cranberries create a vibrant glaze that coats the chicken beautifully, while the feta adds creamy contrast with a touch of salt. It’s an oven-to-table meal that looks stunning yet requires minimal effort — perfect for busy weeknights, holiday dinners, or meal prepping ahead of time. Every bite delivers a burst of flavor, balanced by the rich, tender texture of baked chicken.
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Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Feta Cheese – A Sweet, Savory, and Elegant Dinner
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Feta Cheese is a sweet and savory dish featuring juicy baked chicken breasts glazed with honey and tangy cranberry sauce, topped with creamy feta and fresh herbs. It’s a festive, flavor-packed meal perfect for holidays or elegant weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup whole cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with foil for easy cleanup.
- Place chicken breasts in the prepared dish and season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, honey, balsamic vinegar, garlic, olive oil, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Pour the cranberry-honey mixture evenly over the chicken, turning to coat both sides.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and chopped nuts (if using).
- Return to the oven for 3–5 minutes to slightly soften the feta.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Use boneless thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.
- Homemade cranberry sauce adds a fresher, tangier flavor.
- Add orange zest or juice to the sauce for a citrusy twist.
- Pairs beautifully with wild rice or a simple spinach salad.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts or thighs – Both work well; breasts for leaner meat, thighs for extra juiciness.
Fresh or frozen cranberries – The star of the dish, adding bright tartness and color.
Honey – Balances the cranberries with natural sweetness and helps form a caramelized glaze.
Olive oil – Keeps the chicken moist while baking and adds a subtle richness.
Garlic cloves – Adds warmth and depth to the sauce.
Balsamic vinegar – Enhances the cranberries’ tang and gives the glaze a slightly smoky edge.
Feta cheese – Crumbled on top for creamy, salty contrast against the sweet glaze.
Thyme or rosemary – Fresh herbs that infuse the dish with a fragrant, earthy note.
Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings that tie the flavors together.
Red onion – Adds sweetness and texture to the bake, pairing beautifully with the cranberries.
Lemon juice – Brightens the glaze and prevents it from becoming overly sweet.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
Pour the cranberry mixture evenly over the chicken. Scatter sliced red onions and fresh thyme or rosemary on top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze has caramelized slightly.
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with crumbled feta, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra herbs or a drizzle of honey for a restaurant-quality finish.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 40 minutes total — 10 minutes for prep and 30 minutes of cooking and baking.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or microwave for about 1 minute. For freezing, let the chicken cool completely, then freeze with sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Maple Cranberry Chicken
Replace honey with pure maple syrup for a deeper, caramelized flavor.
Spicy Honey Glaze
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet-heat balance.
Mediterranean Twist
Add olives and a sprinkle of oregano for a bold, savory variation.
Dijon Mustard Touch
Whisk in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard into the cranberry glaze for subtle sharpness.
Goat Cheese Swap
Substitute feta with creamy goat cheese for a softer, tangier texture.
Orange Cranberry Glaze
Add fresh orange juice and zest for a citrus-forward version.
Stuffed Chicken Option
Butterfly the chicken breasts and stuff them with feta and herbs before baking.
Balsamic Reduction Drizzle
Top the finished dish with a touch of balsamic glaze for extra depth.
Walnut Crunch
Sprinkle toasted walnuts over the top for texture and nutty richness.
Herbed Butter Finish
Add a dollop of thyme-infused butter over the hot chicken right before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly — no need to thaw before cooking.
What type of chicken is best?
Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs both work well depending on your preference.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cranberry glaze and store it for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Can I use dried cranberries?
Fresh or frozen are best, but in a pinch, rehydrate dried cranberries in hot water for 10 minutes before using.
Is feta cheese necessary?
It adds great balance, but you can substitute goat cheese or even blue cheese for variety.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 1.5–2 hours, then top with feta before serving.
What sides go well with it?
Try mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or roasted vegetables.
Can I use boneless thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely — they stay moist and flavorful throughout baking.
What herbs pair best with cranberries?
Thyme, rosemary, and sage all work beautifully.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, double all ingredients and bake in a larger dish; add 5–10 minutes to cooking time.
Conclusion
Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Feta Cheese is an elegant, flavor-packed dish that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. The sweet-tart cranberry glaze, balanced by creamy feta and fragrant herbs, creates a harmony of flavors that’s both comforting and impressive. Perfect for holidays or weeknights, this recipe delivers that ideal combination of effortlessness and elegance — a dish that looks festive, tastes incredible, and always leaves a lasting impression.
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