Go Back
To make this tasty dish, you will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 ounces brie cheese, rind removed and sliced - 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought for convenience) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 1 cup fresh spinach (optional for added nutrition and color) - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) You can swap some ingredients based on your taste or what you have on hand. - Chicken Breasts: Use chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture. - Brie Cheese: Try cream cheese or goat cheese for a different taste. - Cranberry Sauce: Substitute with apple butter for a sweeter option. - Spinach: You can replace spinach with kale or arugula for variety. - Olive Oil: Use butter or avocado oil for different flavors while cooking. To boost nutrition, consider adding: - Fresh spinach: This adds vitamins and a nice color. - Mushrooms: Sauté some mushrooms for an earthy flavor. - Nuts: Chopped walnuts or almonds can add a crunchy texture. - Sun-dried tomatoes: These add a tangy taste and more nutrients. These options let you customize the dish to your liking while keeping it healthy and delicious. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. While the oven heats, take your chicken breasts. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to about ½ inch thick. This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes stuffing easier. In a small mixing bowl, combine the garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to rub this mix onto both sides of each chicken breast. This seasoning gives the chicken great flavor. On one half of each chicken breast, layer the sliced brie cheese. Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top. If you want extra color and nutrition, add fresh spinach too. Now, heat two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. After searing, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. Once done, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps keep the chicken juicy. Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a lovely finish. To keep the chicken juicy, start with good quality meat. Choose fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps it cook evenly. After cooking, let it rest for five minutes. This step makes the juices settle back in, keeping each bite moist. You can also add a bit of olive oil to the chicken before cooking. This extra fat helps lock in flavor and moisture. When stuffing chicken, don’t overfill it. Too much stuffing can cause the chicken to burst open. Use about two tablespoons of cranberry sauce and a few slices of brie per breast. Fold the chicken over gently to create a pocket. If needed, secure the edges with toothpicks. This keeps the filling inside during cooking, so you get that burst of flavor when you cut into it. One common mistake is cooking the chicken at too high a heat. This can brown the outside too quickly while leaving the inside raw. Aim for medium-high heat when searing, then transfer to the oven. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) at its thickest part. Lastly, don't skip the resting time after cooking. This step is key for juicy, flavorful chicken. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality brie can elevate the flavor and texture of your dish. Always opt for the freshest ingredients available to enhance the overall taste. Properly Pound the Chicken: Evenly pounding the chicken breasts not only helps them cook uniformly but also makes them easier to stuff. Aim for a thickness of about ½ inch for the best results. Let the Chicken Rest: After baking, allowing the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes is crucial. This step ensures that the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dish. Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to get creative with the stuffing! Adding nuts, herbs, or different types of cheese can bring new flavors and textures to your stuffed chicken. {{image_4}} You can swap brie cheese with other cheeses to change the taste. Try goat cheese for a tangy kick. Cream cheese gives a smooth and rich texture. For a sharper bite, use aged cheddar. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor. Mix and match based on what you like. To make a vegetarian version, skip the chicken. Use portobello mushrooms instead. These meaty caps can hold the stuffing well. Fill them with brie and cranberry sauce as before. You can also add spinach for nutrition. Bake them until they are tender and juicy. Pair your chicken with tasty sauces. A balsamic glaze adds sweetness and depth. A simple garlic butter sauce can also work wonders. As for sides, roasted vegetables are a great match. A light salad with mixed greens brings freshness. You can also serve the chicken on a bed of wild rice or quinoa for a complete meal. After enjoying your Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken, let the leftovers cool down. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This method helps keep the chicken juicy and warm. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. The chicken might dry out if heated too long. If you want to freeze the chicken, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your delicious meal again! I love serving this dish with roasted vegetables. They add color, flavor, and nutrients. You can try carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans. Another great option is a light salad. A simple mix of greens with a lemon vinaigrette works well. For something hearty, serve it on a bed of wild rice or quinoa. These sides balance the rich flavors of the chicken. Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken ahead of time. Stuff and sear the chicken, then store it in the fridge for up to a day. When you are ready to bake it, just follow the cooking steps. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold. This makes dinner easy on busy nights. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, and the meat should be white, not pink. Let the chicken rest for five minutes after baking for the best flavor. Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken combines rich flavors with a simple method. We covered ingredients, cooking steps, and variations. By adding alternative cheeses or vegetarian options, you can change the dish to fit your taste. Remember to store leftovers well and reheat properly for the best results. With these tips, you can impress anyone at your next meal. Enjoy your cooking journey and keep experimenting with flavors and techniques!

Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Delight

A delicious chicken dish stuffed with brie cheese and cranberry sauce, perfect for a delightful meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 ounces brie cheese, rind removed and sliced
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot when the chicken is ready to bake.
  • Prepare the chicken breasts by placing them between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound the chicken with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are about ½ inch thick.
  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
  • On one half of each chicken breast, layer the sliced brie cheese, followed by a spoonful of cranberry sauce, and fresh spinach if desired.
  • Carefully fold the unstuffed half of each chicken breast over the fillings to create a pocket. Use toothpicks to hold them together if necessary.
  • In a large oven-proof skillet, warm the extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • After baking, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Pair with roasted vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
Keyword brie, chicken, cranberry, dinner, stuffed chicken