Baked chicken breasts with cranberry pecan topping

🍗 Baked Chicken Breasts with Cranberry Pecan Topping

These Baked Chicken Breasts with Cranberry Pecan Topping are juicy, tender, and layered with flavor. The chicken is seasoned simply with olive oil and herbs, then baked until perfectly moist and finished with a bright, slightly sweet topping of cranberries, toasted pecans, and a touch of citrus. It’s a beautiful balance of savory and sweet—perfect for weeknights or special dinners alike.

---

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Cranberry Pecan Topping

• ¾ cup fresh or dried cranberries (if dried, use unsweetened if possible)

• ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

• Zest of ½ orange or lemon

• 1 tablespoon orange or lemon juice

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat oven
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Season the chicken
   Place chicken breasts in the dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with oregano, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Bake
   Bake uncovered for 22–25 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

4. Prepare the topping
   While chicken bakes, heat olive oil or butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add cranberries and pecans; sauté 3–4 minutes until cranberries soften and pecans are lightly toasted. Stir in honey, citrus zest, and juice. Remove from heat.

5. Finish & serve
   Spoon cranberry pecan topping over baked chicken. Serve warm.

---

🌿 Serving Suggestions

• With roasted sweet potatoes or herbed rice

• Alongside green beans or asparagus

• Over arugula or spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette

---

❓ Q & A

Q: How do I keep chicken breasts from drying out?
A: Use evenly sized breasts, don’t overbake, and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Q: Can I use dried cranberries?
A: Yes—unsweetened is best. If sweetened, reduce or skip the honey.

Q: Is this dish Mediterranean?
A: While cranberries are more global, the olive oil, herbs, nuts, citrus, and simple preparation align well with Mediterranean cooking principles.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Bake the chicken ahead and reheat gently, adding the topping just before serving.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Absolutely—use olive oil instead of butter.