🍯 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