Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Balsamic Glaze and Goat Cheese
This honey cranberry chicken bake is a sweet, savory, and tangy dish made with seared chicken breasts baked in honey and balsamic glaze, studded with cranberries, and topped with creamy goat cheese. It’s elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with oil.
- Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Transfer to the baking dish.
- Sprinkle cranberries and minced garlic over the chicken. Drizzle honey and balsamic glaze on top, then sprinkle with thyme and rosemary.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and immediately top with crumbled goat cheese.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier version.
- Use feta instead of goat cheese for a milder flavor.
- Add chopped walnuts or almonds in the last 5 minutes for crunch.
- Can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready.
- Pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
