🍯 Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake with Caramelized Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potato & Butternut Squash, Carrot Feta, Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze

A vibrant, wholesome Mediterranean-inspired sheet-pan dinner that’s naturally sweet, savory, and nourishing. Juicy honey-cranberry glazed chicken roasts alongside caramelized Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash, then gets topped with fresh carrot ribbons, creamy feta, crunchy walnuts, and a glossy cranberry-honey drizzle.

This dish is:
✔ High in protein
✔ Rich in fiber & antioxidants
✔ Refined sugar-free
✔ Perfect for meal prep
✔ Beautiful for holiday tables

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📝 Description

This recipe blends the comforting sweetness of roasted winter vegetables with the bright tartness of cranberries and honey. The warm spices, olive oil, and feta give it that unmistakable Mediterranean balance of flavor and nutrition.

The caramelized vegetables develop deep golden edges, while the cranberry-honey glaze adds a glossy, tangy finish that ties everything together.

It’s cozy enough for fall and winter dinners, yet fresh and balanced enough for weekly healthy meal plans.

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–5)

🍗 For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp raw honey

• ⅓ cup dried cranberries (unsweetened preferred)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

🥦 For the Roasted Vegetables:

• 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved

• 1 large sweet potato, cubed

• 2 cups butternut squash, cubed

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp sea salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp dried oregano

🥕 For the Carrot Feta Walnut Topping:

• 1 large carrot, shaved into ribbons

• ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese

• ¼ cup chopped walnuts

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp lemon zest

🍯 For the Cranberry-Honey Glaze:

• 2 tbsp honey

• 2 tbsp warm water

• 2 tbsp chopped cranberries (fresh or soaked dried)

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

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Step 2: Prepare Vegetables

1. Toss Brussels sprouts, sweet potato, and butternut squash with olive oil and spices.

2. Spread evenly on half of the baking sheet.

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Step 3: Prepare Chicken

1. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, honey, garlic, thyme, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

2. Place chicken on the other half of the sheet pan.

3. Spoon mixture over chicken.

4. Sprinkle dried cranberries on top.

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Step 4: Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, until:

• Chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internal temp

• Vegetables are golden and caramelized

Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for extra caramelization (optional).

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Step 5: Make Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk honey, warm water, cranberries, and apple cider vinegar.

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Step 6: Assemble

1. Top roasted chicken and vegetables with carrot ribbons.

2. Sprinkle feta and walnuts over everything.

3. Drizzle cranberry-honey glaze before serving.

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🌿 Mediterranean Nutrition Benefits

• Olive oil → heart-healthy monounsaturated fats

• Walnuts → omega-3 fatty acids

• Brussels sprouts & squash → fiber + antioxidants

• Cranberries → anti-inflammatory properties

• Feta → calcium + protein

Balanced macros make this ideal for sustainable weight management.

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🔥 Make It Lighter / Lower Carb

• Replace sweet potato with zucchini

• Use skinless chicken thighs for juicier, keto-friendly option

• Reduce honey to 1 tbsp

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❓ Q & A

1️⃣ Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes! Fresh cranberries will be more tart. Lightly simmer them with honey for 5 minutes before using.

2️⃣ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.

3️⃣ Can I freeze it?

You can freeze the chicken and vegetables (without fresh toppings) for up to 2 months. Add feta and carrot after reheating.

4️⃣ What can I serve this with?

• Quinoa

• Farro

• Whole wheat couscous

• Warm pita

5️⃣ How do I keep chicken from drying out?

• Do not overbake

• Use a thermometer

• Baste halfway through cooking

6️⃣ Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes — replace feta with toasted almonds or dairy-free feta.

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🥗 Meal Prep Tip

Divide into containers with:

• 1 chicken breast

• 1 cup roasted vegetables

• Sprinkle feta & walnuts separately

Keeps beautifully and tastes even better the next day!