Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is a tasty dish that combines juicy chicken breast with a creamy brie cheese and sweet cranberry filling. It’s both savory and a little sweet, making it super special!
This meal is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a cozy night in. I love how the cheese melts beautifully as it cooks—so gooey and delicious! 🍗🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their convenience. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could swap in turkey breasts. Just make sure to adjust cooking times, as turkey can cook differently.
Brie Cheese: Brie adds a creamy texture and rich flavor. If you can’t find it, Camembert is a great alternative. For a lower-fat option, try using a light cream cheese, but the texture won’t be as gooey.
Dried Cranberries: These add a sweet touch to the dish. If you want to keep it sugar-free, consider using unsweetened dried cherries or raisins instead. Fresh cranberries would work, too, but you’ll need to cook them first.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is my go-to for this dish. You can substitute it with kale, but be sure to sauté it first to make it more tender. Frozen spinach will also work, just be sure to squeeze out excess water.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If allergies are a concern, feel free to leave the nuts out altogether or use sunflower seeds as a nut-free alternative.
How Do You Make Sure Chicken Stays Juicy and Flavorful?
Keeping chicken juicy is all about technique! First, create pockets for the stuffing carefully, being gentle not to cut through completely. This allows for more stuffing and flavor inside.
- Season both inside and outside of the chicken well. Herbs like thyme and rosemary enhance flavor.
- Don’t skip the searing step! Searing the chicken helps seal in juices and gives a nice golden color!
- Use a meat thermometer. Check when the chicken hits 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s juicy and perfectly cooked without being dry.
Allow the chicken to rest after baking; this helps redistribute juices and keeps it tender. Happy cooking!
Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or fresh, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for crunch)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to cook, giving you a total of about 45 minutes for the whole process. Perfect for a weekday dinner or a fancy weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly when it’s time to bake it.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and carefully slice a pocket into the side of each one without cutting through completely. This is where all the yummy filling will go, so be gentle!
3. Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle salt, pepper, dried thyme, and rosemary both inside and outside each chicken breast. This seasoning is key to enhancing the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
4. Make the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, dried cranberries, minced garlic, and nuts (if you’re using them). This bright blend will add great texture and flavor to your stuffed chicken.
5. Stuff the Chicken:
Take your filling mixture and stuff each chicken breast pocket with it, adding slices of Brie cheese as well. If needed, use toothpicks to secure the openings so everything stays inside while cooking.
6. Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step adds a delightful crispy exterior!
7. Bake the Chicken:
After searing, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and let it bake for about 20-25 minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
8. Let it Rest:
Once it’s done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps retain the juices. Don’t forget to remove any toothpicks used for stuffing!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate the beautifully stuffed chicken and drizzle any extra cranberries or pan juices on top. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, if you like. Now dig in and enjoy this tasty and impressive meal!
Your cranberry brie stuffed chicken will surely impress your family and friends! It’s a dish that’s not only tasty but looks beautiful on the plate, too. Enjoy every bite! 🍽️
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before preparing the dish. Thaw in the fridge overnight or place in a sealed bag submersed in cold water for quicker results.
What Can I Substitute for Brie Cheese?
If you can’t find Brie, Camembert is a great alternative and offers a similar creamy texture. For a lower-fat option, you could also use cream cheese, though the flavor will be slightly different.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the stuffed chicken and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before searing to ensure even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out.