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Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Goat Cheese in a skillet

Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Goat Cheese

This Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Goat Cheese is a stunning one-pan Mediterranean dinner that balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Juicy seared chicken breasts are glazed in a honey-balsamic reduction, topped with bursting fresh cranberries, toasted pecans, and creamy goat cheese. It’s a healthy, protein-packed meal perfect for both busy weeknights and festive holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Greek, Middle Eastern
Calories: 385
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup fresh/frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 4 oz crumbled goat cheese
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  3. Sear chicken in olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until golden (3-4 mins per side).
  4. Whisk honey, balsamic, and garlic in a small bowl.
  5. Top chicken with cranberries and pecans; pour glaze over everything.
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  7. Crumble goat cheese over the chicken and bake for 2 more minutes.
  8. Garnish with fresh rosemary and serve.

Notes

  • The Sear is Secret: To get the look in the photo, ensure your pan is very hot before adding the chicken. This creates the golden-brown "crust" that holds the glaze.
  • Freshness Matters: While frozen cranberries work, fresh cranberries provide a better "pop" and more vibrant color for photography.
  • Resting Time: Let the chicken rest in the pan for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to ensure the juices redistribute throughout the meat.