If you’re craving a dish that captures the essence of cozy gatherings and festive flavors, Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken is a must-try for your table. This recipe pairs juicy chicken breasts with creamy, melt-in-your-mouth Brie and tart cranberry sauce for a showstopping entrée that truly looks as lovely as it tastes. Whether you’re celebrating a special holiday or simply want to add a spark of excitement to your weeknight dinner routine, this dish delivers warmth, tang, and comfort all in one delightfully cheesy bite.

Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this recipe is refreshingly short, but each component brings something exciting to the party. Every ingredient is chosen not just for taste, but for the way it influences the color, texture, and delightfully unexpected flavors that make Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken irresistible.

Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless breasts for easy stuffing and tender results every time.
Salt: Brings out the natural flavors and ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the chicken and filling.
Garlic Powder: Introduces savory undertones without overpowering the brie or cranberry.
Brie Cheese: The star – melty, creamy, and slightly earthy, Brie brings luxurious texture to the stuffing.
Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: Offers sweet tartness and beautiful color, waking up your palate with each forkful.
Olive Oil: Perfect for a golden sear, helping lock in juices before baking.
Fresh Thyme Leaves (or dried): Lends beautiful herbal fragrance and a pop of green, elevating the entire dish.
Balsamic Glaze (optional): A drizzle delivers a tangy, glossy finish that ties every flavor together.

How to Make Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Start by gently slicing a pocket into the side of each chicken breast with a sharp knife; be careful not to cut all the way through. You want just enough space to hold that luscious filling. This little pouch is where all the magic happens! Lay the breasts flat on your work surface, ready to season up.

Step 2: Season Inside and Out

Season both the outside and the inside pocket of the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This step makes sure you’re infusing flavor all throughout the meat so that every bite is delicious, not just the cheesy center.

Step 3: Stuff with Brie and Cranberry

Slip a few slices of Brie cheese and about two tablespoons of whole berry cranberry sauce into each chicken pocket. If you like, tuck in a few fresh thyme leaves for even more aroma. Don’t be stingy with the filling – it’s what makes the Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken so mouthwatering!

Step 4: Secure and Sear

If your chicken is on the plump side or the filling is eager to escape, poke a toothpick or two through the open edge to hold it together. Next, heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, and sear each chicken breast for two to three minutes per side. This gives the chicken a beautiful golden crust and locks in those juices.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle thyme over the seared chicken and transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F inside. Let your stuffed beauties rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the cheese to settle and the juices to redistribute. If you have balsamic glaze on hand, drizzle it over the top for an inspired final touch!

How to Serve Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken

Garnishes

Scatter a few extra thyme leaves, a crack of fresh black pepper, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze over your plated chicken. For even more color and glamour, add a spoonful of cranberry sauce to the side for dipping. These simple garnishes bring both visual wow-factor and a final layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken beautifully complements roasted vegetables (think carrots, Brussels sprouts, or delicata squash), a bed of wild rice, or bright, peppery greens like arugula. Don’t be afraid to keep things simple – the main dish is the star but loves sharing the limelight.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice each stuffed breast on the diagonal and fan out the pieces for a stunning dinner plate, or serve whole for a more dramatic reveal at the table. For a festive touch, sprinkle with pomegranate seeds or chopped pecans, or nestle each portion atop a mound of fluffy mashed potatoes for pure comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just wrap each breast or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent the cheese from absorbing other fridge odors.

Freezing

You can freeze fully cooked stuffed chicken breasts for up to two months. Wrap each cooled breast tightly in foil, then seal in a freezer bag. To avoid soggy or rubbery cheese, allow to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the juiciest result, reheat gently in a 325°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 20 minutes). This helps keep the chicken tender and the Brie creamy, so your leftovers taste as luscious as the first night.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?

While dried cranberries offer a lovely chewy sweetness, the saucy texture of whole berry cranberry sauce provides moisture and melds perfectly with the melty brie. If you’re in a pinch, you can chop and soak dried cranberries in a bit of orange juice to soften them before stuffing, but the result will be a touch less saucy.

What can I substitute for brie cheese?

Goat cheese delivers a similarly creamy texture with tang, and mozzarella brings its classic meltiness if you prefer a milder flavor. Feel free to experiment – the key is using a cheese that melts well and pairs gently with cranberry.

Is this Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since there are no breaded elements or flour. Just double-check your balsamic glaze and cranberry sauce if you’re especially sensitive, as some brands add thickeners or flavorings.

Can I prepare the chicken in advance and bake later?

Absolutely! You can stuff and assemble your chicken breasts up to a day ahead. Simply cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to sear and bake. This makes Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken perfect for entertaining or meal prepping.

How do I keep the filling from oozing out while baking?

Securing the stuffed breasts with toothpicks goes a long way to keeping your cranberry and brie safely tucked inside. Don’t overstuff the pocket, and always place the seam side up in your baking dish for extra insurance against leaks.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring together rich, festive flavors wrapped in juicy chicken, this Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken recipe is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to sit at your table. It’s simple to make, feels truly special, and will steal the spotlight at any dinner. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy every savory, cheesy, sweet-tart bite!

Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken recipe is a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors. Juicy chicken breasts are filled with creamy brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce, then baked to perfection. It’s an elegant yet easy dish that’s perfect for a special dinner or holiday meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Filling:

4 oz brie cheese, sliced
1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional for drizzling)

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Instructions

Preheat oven: to 375°F (190°C).
Cut pockets: Carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Stuff chicken: Fill each pocket with brie cheese slices and cranberry sauce. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
Sear chicken: In a skillet, sear the chicken until golden. Sprinkle with thyme.
Bake: Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes until cooked through.
Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.