Mediterranean Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Feta Cheese
This Mediterranean Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Feta Cheese combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in a simple, one-pan dish that feels elegant but is easy enough for weeknights. The honey and cranberry sauce create a glossy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, while feta cheese adds a creamy, salty bite that balances the sweetness perfectly. It’s a colorful, flavor-packed meal that pairs wonderfully with rice, couscous, or roasted vegetables.
Total Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g)
½ cup (120 g) cranberry sauce
2 tbsp (30 ml) honey
1 tsp (5 g) dried thyme
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
½ cup (75 g) crumbled feta cheese
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional: chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven:
Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
Prepare the chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
Make the glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, honey, and olive oil until smooth.
Assemble the bake:
Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Spoon the cranberry-honey mixture evenly over the top, coating each piece.
Bake the chicken:
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Spoon some of the glaze from the pan over the chicken halfway through cooking for extra flavor.
Add feta and finish:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking, allowing it to soften slightly without melting completely.
Garnish and serve:
Remove from oven, rest for 5 minutes, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm with your choice of side.
Tips
Use good cranberry sauce: Homemade or whole-berry versions add more texture and depth than jelly-style sauces.
Adjust sweetness: If your cranberry sauce is already very sweet, reduce the honey slightly.
Balance with acidity: Add a small squeeze of lemon juice to the glaze for a subtle tang that brightens the flavor.
Don’t overbake: Chicken breast can dry out easily. Check for doneness at 25 minutes if your fillets are thin.
Marinate for extra flavor: Let the chicken sit in the cranberry-honey mixture for 30 minutes before baking to deepen the flavor.
Baste while baking: Spoon the sauce from the dish over the chicken once or twice while baking for a sticky, caramelized finish.
Use an oven-safe thermometer: This ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Let it rest: Allowing the chicken to rest before serving keeps it juicy and tender.
Variations
Add nuts: Sprinkle toasted walnuts or almonds on top for a crunchy contrast.
Herb upgrade: Swap thyme for rosemary or oregano for a more Mediterranean touch.
Add veggies: Scatter sliced red onions, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers around the chicken before baking.
Spicy kick: Mix a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne into the glaze for heat.
Cheese change: Try crumbled goat cheese or ricotta salata instead of feta for a creamier texture.
Balsamic twist: Add 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar to the glaze for extra depth.
Use thighs instead: Boneless chicken thighs work great too—they stay juicier and soak up the glaze beautifully.
Holiday version: Add orange zest and a few fresh cranberries to make it festive and aromatic.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes, but make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before baking so the glaze sticks properly.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead?
A: Yes, you can assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake right before serving.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Simply omit the feta or use a dairy-free alternative. The dish will still taste great.
Q: What sides go best with this?
A: It pairs beautifully with couscous, herbed quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Q: Can I use leftover cranberry sauce from the holidays?
A: Definitely — this recipe is a great way to use up extra cranberry sauce.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from burning?
A: Bake in the center of the oven and avoid broiling; honey can caramelize quickly if too close to the heat source.
Nutrition
(Per Serving, Approx.)
Calories: 350
Protein: 32 g
Fat: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Sugars: 19 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sodium: 320 mg
Conclusion
Mediterranean Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Feta Cheese is a perfect mix of sweet, savory, and tangy — an effortless way to bring Mediterranean flair to your dinner table. The honey-berry glaze gives the chicken a glossy, festive finish, while the feta adds a creamy, salty balance. It’s wholesome, colorful, and easy to prepare, making it just as ideal for family dinners as it is for special occasions. Serve it with a light salad or grains and enjoy a warm, flavorful bite of the Mediterranean in every forkful.