Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Feta Cheese
Description
This Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Feta Cheese is a beautiful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Juicy baked chicken is coated in a glossy honey-cranberry sauce, then finished with creamy, salty feta that melts slightly into the sauce. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, festive meals, or special occasions and pairs wonderfully with rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Time Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Servings: 3–4
Ingredients
Chicken & Bake
500–600 g chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried thyme or rosemary
Honey Cranberry Sauce
⅓ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup honey
2 tbsp soy sauce (or balsamic vinegar for a deeper flavor)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional but recommended)
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup chicken broth or water
Topping
80–100 g feta cheese, crumbled
1 tbsp fresh parsley or rosemary, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Place chicken in the dish and season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and thyme.
Drizzle with olive oil and rub seasoning evenly over the chicken.
Make the Honey Cranberry Sauce
In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce (or balsamic vinegar), Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and chicken broth.
Stir in the dried cranberries.
Bake the Chicken
Pour the honey cranberry sauce evenly over the chicken.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and continue baking for 10–15 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and sauce thickens slightly.
Add Feta & Finish
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the hot chicken.
Return to oven uncovered for 5 minutes, just until feta softens.
Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over steamed basmati rice or buttered rice
Pair with roasted baby potatoes or mashed potatoes
Add a side of steamed green beans, broccoli, or a fresh salad
Tips & Variations
Extra festive: Add orange zest or a splash of orange juice to the sauce
More tangy: Increase cranberries or add a squeeze of lemon
Spicy kick: Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne
Cheese swap: Goat cheese works beautifully if feta isn’t available
Questions & Answers
Q1: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes. Use ½ cup fresh cranberries and add 1–2 extra tablespoons of honey.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—simply skip the feta or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Q5: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze without feta for up to 2 months. Add feta after reheating.