Description
This Honey Cranberry Chicken Casserole with Feta is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that will impress your taste buds. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with deliciousness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup liquid honey
- 2 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup cream cheese or full-fat Greek yogurt (optional)
- Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cut your chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Finely dice your onion and mince your garlic. Measure out your rice, dried cranberries, chicken broth, and honey.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Push the aromatics to one side, then add the cubed chicken to the skillet. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes, just until it's lightly browned on the outside; it doesn't need to be cooked through at this stage.
- Transfer the chicken and sautéed aromatics into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Add the uncooked long-grain white rice and dried cranberries to the dish. Pour in the chicken broth and honey. Stir everything gently to combine, making sure the rice is submerged in the liquid. If using, dot small spoonfuls of cream cheese or Greek yogurt evenly over the top.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is crucial for cooking the rice evenly and keeping the chicken moist. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Give the casserole a gentle stir to redistribute everything and check on the rice. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is fully tender, the liquid is mostly absorbed, and the feta is warmed through and slightly softened. The edges might be slightly golden.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to fully set, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: For a quicker meal, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Adjust the sweetness and tang by tasting the mixture before baking, adding more honey or a splash of vinegar as desired.