Mediterranean Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake

🍯 Mediterranean Honey Cranberry Chicken Bake

with Caramelized Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potato, Butternut Squash, Carrot, Feta & Walnuts

Ingredients (4–6 servings)


Chicken & Marinade

  • 4–6 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless; or 4 chicken breasts)

  • 3 tbsp olive oil

  • 3 tbsp honey

  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp cinnamon (optional but amazing with cranberries)

  • Salt & black pepper to taste


Vegetables

  • 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved

  • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled & cubed

  • 2 cups butternut squash cubes

  • 2 carrots, sliced

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt & pepper

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)


Cranberries & Toppings

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

  • ½ cup crumbled feta

  • ½ cup walnuts, lightly toasted

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped


Cranberry–Honey Glaze

  • ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries

  • 3 tbsp honey

  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice)

  • ¼ cup water

  • Pinch of salt


🥣 Instructions


1. Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, whisk together:

    • Olive oil

    • Honey

    • Lemon juice

    • Dijon mustard

    • Garlic

    • Oregano

    • Paprika

    • Cinnamon (optional)

    • Salt & pepper

  2. Add the chicken and coat well.

  3. Marinate at least 20 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).


2. Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F.

  2. On a large baking tray, add:

    • Brussels sprouts

    • Sweet potato

    • Butternut squash

    • Carrots

  3. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

  4. Toss well to coat.


3. Add Chicken & Cranberries

  1. Place the marinated chicken pieces on top of the vegetables.

  2. Scatter 1 cup cranberries around the tray.

  3. Pour any extra marinade over everything.


4. Roast

Bake for 35–45 minutes, depending on chicken type:

  • Boneless thighs: 35–40 minutes

  • Bone-in thighs: 40–45 minutes

  • Breasts: 30–35 minutes

Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for caramelization.


🍯 5. Make the Cranberry–Honey Glaze

While the bake is roasting:

  1. In a small saucepan, add:

    • Cranberries

    • Honey

    • Balsamic vinegar

    • Water

    • Pinch of salt

  2. Simmer for 6–8 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.

  3. Mash lightly if you want a smoother glaze.


🍽 6. Finish the Dish

Remove the tray from the oven and top with:

  • Crumbled feta

  • Toasted walnuts

  • Fresh parsley

  • Drizzle of cranberry–honey glaze

Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.


🌿 Serve With

  • Mediterranean couscous

  • Lemon orzo

  • Herbed quinoa

  • Greek yogurt on the side

  • A green salad

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