I am so excited to share one of my favorite recipes with you: Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken! This dish is the perfect blend of savory and sweet. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make.
From prep to plate, you’re looking at about 40 minutes. Get ready to impress your family or friends with this delicious and elegant Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken recipe!
Table of Contents
The Ultimate Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. This is the foundation of flavor, so don’t be shy with the seasonings! Make sure you get every nook and cranny.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the chicken breasts nearly in half, being careful not to slice all the way through. You’re creating a pocket for the filling. A good tip is to lay your hand flat on top of the chicken breast, and carefully cut horizontally. Set aside these prepped chicken breasts.
- Add 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil to a medium pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of diced shallot and 1 minced garlic clove, and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add 2 cups (lightly packed) of roughly chopped baby spinach and stir for another minute or two. Cook until the spinach begins to wilt, then remove from the heat. This adds a wonderful earthy note to the dish.
- Add 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce into each chicken breast pocket. Evenly divide the spinach mixture between the chicken breasts, then top with 1.5 ounces of sliced brie cheese per chicken breast. Use 3 to 4 toothpicks to close the pocket of each chicken breast. This ensures the filling stays put while cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat in a large oven-safe pan. Sear the chicken for 3 minutes per side, until golden. This helps lock in the juices. Transfer the chicken to the oven and continue cooking for 15 to 18 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through to 165°F (73°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked!
- Remove the chicken from the oven, let it rest for a couple of minutes, then serve with your favorite sides. I have a few recommendations for you below!
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or easy entertaining.
- Elegant Flavor: The combination of creamy brie, sweet cranberry sauce, and savory chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Impressive Presentation: Stuffed chicken breasts look beautiful on a plate, making them ideal for special occasions.
- Versatile Dish: Pair it with a variety of sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients for Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
- 2 tablespoons diced shallot
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 2 cups (lightly packed) baby spinach (roughly chopped)
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce
- 3 ounces brie cheese (sliced)
How to Make Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts on both sides with ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. This is the foundation of flavor, so don’t be shy with the seasonings! Make sure you get every nook and cranny.
Step 2: Make a Pocket
Use a sharp knife to slice the chicken breasts nearly in half, being careful not to slice all the way through. You’re creating a pocket for the filling. A good tip is to lay your hand flat on top of the chicken breast, and carefully cut horizontally. Set aside these prepped chicken breasts.
Step 3: Sauté the Spinach
Add 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil to a medium pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of diced shallot and 1 minced garlic clove, and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add 2 cups (lightly packed) of roughly chopped baby spinach and stir for another minute or two. Cook until the spinach begins to wilt, then remove from the heat. This adds a wonderful earthy note to the dish.
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
Add 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce into each chicken breast pocket. Evenly divide the spinach mixture between the chicken breasts, then top with 1.5 ounces of sliced brie cheese per chicken breast. Use 3 to 4 toothpicks to close the pocket of each chicken breast. This ensures the filling stays put while cooking.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat in a large oven-safe pan. Sear the chicken for 3 minutes per side, until golden. This helps lock in the juices. Transfer the chicken to the oven and continue cooking for 15 to 18 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through to 165°F (73°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked!
Step 6: Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven, let it rest for a couple of minutes, then serve with your favorite sides. I have a few recommendations for you below!
Ingredient Selection: Choosing the Best Brie and Cranberry Sauce
When buying brie cheese, look for a wheel that is slightly soft to the touch, but not overly runny. The flavor should be mild and buttery, with a hint of earthiness. Avoid any brie that smells strongly of ammonia, as this indicates it is past its prime.
For cranberry sauce, I prefer using a whole berry variety, either homemade or store-bought. The texture and flavor are much more vibrant than jellied cranberry sauce. However, if jellied is all you have, it will still work in a pinch.
For a festive drink to accompany this meal, consider this Amazing Christmas Cranberry Bars Recipe or perhaps a bright Cranberry Gin Spritz Mocktail Recipe.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues and How to Solve Them
- Brie Melting Out: If the brie starts to melt out too much during cooking, try chilling the stuffed chicken breasts in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before searing. This will help the cheese firm up.
- Chicken Drying Out: To prevent the chicken from drying out, make sure not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (73°C) and no higher. You can also try adding a tablespoon of chicken broth to the pan before transferring it to the oven.
- Uneven Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, gently pound the thicker side with a meat mallet to even them out before stuffing. This will ensure even cooking.
Make-Ahead Tips for Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
You can stuff the chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator.
For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffed chicken breasts before cooking. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. I do not recommend freezing after cooking.
Variations on Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
| Variation | Ingredients to Add/Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Goat Cheese & Walnut | Goat cheese, chopped walnuts | Tangy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts add a delightful contrast to the chicken. |
| Camembert & Apple | Camembert cheese, diced apple | Camembert has a stronger flavor than brie, which pairs beautifully with sweet and slightly tart apples. |
| Herb & Garlic | Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme), garlic powder | For a more savory twist, skip the cranberry sauce and use a combination of fresh herbs and garlic powder to season the chicken and spinach mixture. |
Cooking Methods: Baking, Air Frying, and Grilling
- Baking: As described in the recipe, baking at 400°F (200°C) is a reliable method for cooking the chicken evenly and ensuring the cheese melts beautifully.
- Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the stuffed chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can dry out quickly on the grill.
Serving Suggestions: Perfect Sides for Cranberry Brie Chicken
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes, complements the flavors of the stuffed chicken beautifully.
- Quinoa Salad: A light and refreshing quinoa salad with dried cranberries, pecans, and a lemon vinaigrette adds a nice textural contrast to the dish.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg provide a comforting and slightly sweet side dish. For more dinner inspiration, explore options in our Main Dishes category.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftover cranberry brie stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing cooked stuffed chicken as the texture will change.
- Oven: Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: Reheat the chicken in the microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Air Fryer: Reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
- Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the brie cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative, such as cashew-based brie.
- Lower in Carbs: To lower the carbs, reduce the amount of cranberry sauce, and serve with low carb sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before stuffing and cooking.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Goat cheese, Camembert, or even a soft cream cheese would all work well in this recipe.
Q: Can I add nuts to the filling?
A: Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the filling.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy this Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken as much as I do! It’s a delicious, easy, and impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Now, I’d love to hear from you! Have you tried this recipe? What are your favorite variations? Leave a comment below and let me know!
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