The Ultimate Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe

I’m always on the lookout for dinner recipes that are both easy and impressive. This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is exactly that; a dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but really takes about 45 minutes from start to finish.

The combination of savory chicken, tangy cranberry sauce, creamy brie, and a hint of spinach is just divine.

Alexa

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The Ultimate Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe

This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is exactly that; a dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but really takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. The combination of savory chicken, tangy cranberry sauce, creamy brie, and a hint of spinach is just divine.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 23 minutes mins

Total Time 33 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 577

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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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 baby spinach lightly packed, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup cranberry sauce
• 3 ounces brie cheese sliced

Equipment

• medium pan
• large oven-safe pan
• Oven
• grill
• air fryer

Method

 

1. Season the chicken. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, dried thyme, and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasonings, they really enhance the flavor.
2. Make a pocket. Use a sharp knife to slice the chicken breasts nearly in half, being careful not to cut all the way through. The goal is to create a pocket for the filling. Tip: Gently place your non-dominant hand flat on top of the chicken breast and carefully slice horizontally with the knife in your dominant hand.
3. Sauté the spinach. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to a medium pan over medium heat. Add the diced shallot and minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Then, add the roughly chopped baby spinach and stir for another minute or two, until the spinach begins to wilt. Remove the pan from the heat.
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. Tip: Make sure the toothpicks are secure to prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking.
5. Cook the chicken. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large oven-safe pan. Sear the chicken for 3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and continue cooking for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (73°C).
6. Serve. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before removing the toothpicks. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Serve with your favorite sides.

Nutrition

Calories: 577kcal

Notes

Searing the chicken before baking isn’t just for looks, it’s all about flavor. When you sear the chicken, you’re creating what’s called the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that gives browned food its distinctive flavor. This creates a delicious crust that adds a depth of flavor and a satisfying texture to the final dish.

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Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken

• It’s fancy enough for guests, but simple enough for a weeknight meal.
• The balance of sweet and savory flavors is absolutely perfect.
• Cleanup is minimal, which is always a win in my book.
• This recipe is endlessly adaptable to your preferences.

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)

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

Sometimes, I don’t have everything on hand, so I love to get creative with substitutions. Here’s a handy guide to help you adapt this Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken to your own pantry:

For the cranberry sauce, I prefer using whole berry cranberry sauce because I love the texture it adds. However, jellied cranberry sauce works just as well. The texture will be smoother, and the flavor slightly sweeter. When it comes to brie, any good quality brie will do.

This recipe would be great served with the Best Cheese Ball Recipe for Any Party.

How to Make Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken: Step-by-Step

This recipe is so simple, but here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through it.

1. Season the chicken. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, dried thyme, and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasonings, they really enhance the flavor.
2. Make a pocket. Use a sharp knife to slice the chicken breasts nearly in half, being careful not to cut all the way through. The goal is to create a pocket for the filling. Tip: Gently place your non-dominant hand flat on top of the chicken breast and carefully slice horizontally with the knife in your dominant hand.
3. Sauté the spinach. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to a medium pan over medium heat. Add the diced shallot and minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Then, add the roughly chopped baby spinach and stir for another minute or two, until the spinach begins to wilt. Remove the pan from the heat.
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. Tip: Make sure the toothpicks are secure to prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking.
5. Cook the chicken. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large oven-safe pan. Sear the chicken for 3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and continue cooking for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (73°C).
6. Serve. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before removing the toothpicks. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Serve with your favorite sides.

Why Searing is Important

Searing the chicken before baking isn’t just for looks, it’s all about flavor. When you sear the chicken, you’re creating what’s called the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that gives browned food its distinctive flavor. This creates a delicious crust that adds a depth of flavor and a satisfying texture to the final dish.

Thinking of serving an aperitif before dinner? Try this Cranberry Gin Spritz Mocktail Recipe.

Tips to Prevent Cheese from Leaking

Cheese oozing out isn’t ideal, so here are some tricks I have picked up:

• Secure the pocket: Use enough toothpicks to properly seal the chicken pocket. I usually use 3-4 per breast.
• Choose the right brie: Opt for a high-quality brie that holds its shape well during cooking.

Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken

This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken pairs well with so many different sides. For a simple and healthy option, I love serving it with roasted asparagus and quinoa. Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast it alongside the chicken for the last 10-12 minutes.

For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower would be a great choice. You could find many more amazing recipes in the main dishes category.

For a heartier meal, try serving the chicken with roasted sweet potatoes or a wild rice pilaf. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing also complements the richness of the dish. As for wine pairings, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Noir would both be excellent choices.

Can I Grill or Air Fry Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken?

Yes, absolutely! Here’s how:

Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the stuffed chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through, making sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (73°C).

Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Air fry the stuffed chicken for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through, flipping halfway through.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, there are several options:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the chicken dry.
• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Air fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

For freezing, wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to use, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

• Filling Leaking: Make sure you’ve properly sealed the chicken pocket with enough toothpicks.
• Chicken Drying Out: Avoid overcooking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (73°C).
• Chicken Not Cooking Evenly: Ensure the chicken breasts are of similar thickness, or gently pound them to an even thickness before stuffing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is a guaranteed win, a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments below! I love hearing from you.

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