If you’re looking for a comforting dish that combines the tangy sweetness of balsamic and cranberries with tender, juicy chicken and perfectly roasted potatoes, then this Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Bake Recipe is your new go-to. It’s an easy-to-make meal that feels special enough for a dinner party but simple enough for a weeknight. Every bite bursts with cozy, vibrant flavors that will have you reaching for seconds, and maybe even thirds. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe prides itself on using straightforward and essential ingredients that work together beautifully. Each one adds a vital note—whether it’s tang, sweetness, earthiness, or tenderness—that brings the whole dish to life.
- 4 8-ounce chicken breasts: The star protein, providing juicy, tender meat that soaks up all the marinade flavors.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist while roasting.
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar: Brings a slightly sweet and tangy lift that pairs perfectly with cranberries.
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness to balance the tartness of the vinegar and cranberries.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle kick and depth that brightens the marinade.
- 1 cup fresh cranberries: Tart and bursting with flavor, they complement both chicken and balsamic superbly.
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes: Roasted until golden and tender, soaking up the marinade’s delicious juices.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: Essential to enhance all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a large ziplock bag or airtight container. Shake it up well to create a beautiful, glossy marinade with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken and Cranberries
Pop the chicken breasts and fresh cranberries into the marinade. Seal everything tight and refrigerate for at least an hour—though longer, even overnight, is best if you can plan ahead. This step is key for infusing the chicken with all those incredible flavors.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Turn your oven onto 400º F and lightly grease an 8×12-inch casserole dish. This size is perfect to hold all the ingredients without overcrowding, letting everything roast evenly.
Step 4: Prep the Potatoes
Slice the baby potatoes in half to ensure they cook through nicely. Arrange them in a single layer on the bottom of the baking dish for optimal roasting and crisp edges.
Step 5: Arrange Chicken and Pour Marinade
Place the marinated chicken breasts atop the potatoes in a single layer, making sure they’re not overlapping. Then pour the remaining marinade and cranberries evenly over everything—this will keep the meat juicy and give the potatoes a delicious tangy glaze.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through (internal temperature of 165º F), and the potatoes’ll be tender and golden. When it’s done, the fragrant balsamic and tart cranberries will have created a mouthwatering sauce that brings the whole dish together.
How to Serve Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves right before serving to inject a burst of fresh color and herbal aroma that contrasts amazingly with the sweet-savory flavors of the bake.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, or steamed green beans for a pop of brightness and crisp texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant touch, serve the chicken sliced on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside risotto, letting that rich balsamic cranberry sauce drizzle over. It also tastes fantastic stacked over mixed grains like quinoa or farro to soak up every bit of the delicious juices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy days.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Bake Recipe, wait until it’s completely cooled, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will hold well for up to 2 months and is perfect to thaw and reheat for a stress-free dinner.
Reheating
To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 350º F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the chicken juicy and the potatoes tender rather than soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just fine and are a great option when fresh ones aren’t in season. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the marinade.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
You can substitute with yellow mustard or even a small amount of whole grain mustard. Both still lend that tangy depth, though Dijon has a bit more sharpness and creaminess which is ideal.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you double-check the Dijon mustard label, since some brands may contain gluten. Otherwise, all the ingredients are safe for a gluten-free diet.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way to be sure is to use a meat thermometer; it should register 165º F in the thickest part. If you don’t have one, check that the juices run clear and there’s no pink meat inside.
Is it okay to marinate the chicken longer than overnight?
While overnight marinating is perfect, you can actually marinate the chicken up to 24 hours. Just be mindful that the acid from the vinegar may start to “cook” the meat and alter the texture slightly if left much longer.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the harmony of flavors in this Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Bake Recipe. It’s a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and sophistication to your table with very little effort. Give it a try—you’re going to love how easy it is to impress your family and friends with such a cozy and vibrant meal. Once you experience the tender chicken, tangy cranberries, and perfectly roasted potatoes all baked together, this recipe will become a cherished favorite in your culinary rotation.
Print
Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes plus marinating time
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and easy Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Bake combining tender chicken breasts marinated in a tangy balsamic and maple syrup blend, fresh cranberries, and roasted baby potatoes, baked together to create a delicious and comforting meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 8-ounce chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (frozen can be used as well)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large ziplock bag or airtight container, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag or cover the container, then shake well to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken breasts and cranberries into the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400º F (200º C) and lightly grease an 8×12 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the potatoes: Halve the baby potatoes and spread them in a single layer in the casserole dish, ensuring even cooking.
- Assemble the dish: Pour the contents of the marinade over the potatoes, making sure to arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer without overlapping for even baking.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature (165º F/74º C) and the potatoes are tender. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using fresh cranberries adds a bright tartness, but frozen cranberries are a convenient alternative.
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the depth of flavor, though 1 hour is sufficient if you’re short on time.
- You can use red or yellow baby potatoes depending on your preference.
- Ensure the chicken breasts are arranged in a single layer to cook evenly and avoid dryness.
- For extra crispiness, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
