This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is a delicious treat! Juicy chicken breasts are filled with warm, melty brie cheese and sweet cranberry sauce. It’s a perfect mix of savory and sweet!
Honestly, this dish impresses everyone at the dinner table. The combo of flavors is unbeatable! I love serving it with rice or veggies to soak up that tasty sauce. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for stuffing. If you’re looking for alternatives, turkey cutlets or even pork chops work well too! They each have a different taste but still allow for a tasty filling.
Brie Cheese: This creamy cheese melts beautifully. If you can’t find brie, try using Camembert or even cream cheese for a different texture. Both will give a nice creaminess to the dish.
Dried Cranberries: These sweet bits are key for flavor. If you prefer less sweetness, consider dried cherries or chopped dates instead. You could also use fresh cranberries if you want a more tart kick, but you’ll want to cook them down first.
Fresh Spinach: The spinach adds color and nutrition. Feel free to swap it with kale or Swiss chard. If you don’t have any greens, you can skip it altogether!
How Do I Stuff Chicken Without Making a Mess?
Stuffing chicken can be tricky if you’re not careful. Let’s make it a breeze! First, cut a pocket in the side of the chicken. Just be careful not to cut all the way through. Take your time; it’s better to go slow than to end up with a hole!
- Season the chicken generously for great flavor.
- Mix your stuffing ingredients in a bowl, then use a spoon to fill the pocket. Don’t overstuff; you want it snug, but not bursting at the seams!
- Secure the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine. This keeps everything inside while cooking.
Cooking it in a hot skillet gives it a nice golden brown crust, so don’t skip that step. It adds flavor and looks appealing!
How to Make Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz Brie cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine (optional for pan sauce)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure chicken
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to cook, including searing in the skillet and baking in the oven. You’ll end up with tender, flavorful chicken stuffed with a delightful mixture of brie and cranberries, ready to impress anyone at your dinner table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when we pop the chicken in later!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Carefully take a sharp knife and cut a pocket horizontally through the side of each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through; you want to create a nice little space for the stuffing.
3. Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary all over the chicken, both inside the pocket and on the outside. This will add delicious flavor to every bite!
4. Make the Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the dried cranberries, chopped fresh spinach, and minced garlic. Give it a good stir to mix everything together. This colorful mixture will add sweetness and freshness to your stuffed chicken.
5. Stuff the Chicken:
Now it’s time to fill each chicken breast! Stuff it with slices of brie cheese and a spoonful of the cranberry-spinach mixture. Don’t overstuff, but fill it well! Secure the pocket with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep everything inside while cooking.
6. Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil and butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This step adds a lot of flavor!
7. Bake the Chicken:
Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. You can check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
8. Make a Pan Sauce (Optional):
For a tasty sauce, once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate. Place the skillet back on the stove, add the chicken broth or white wine, and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly reduced to create a flavorful sauce.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious cranberry brie stuffed chicken on a plate, drizzling the pan sauce over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like roasted vegetables or fluffy rice. Enjoy the perfect blend of creamy brie, sweet cranberries, and tender chicken!
Can I Use Other Cheeses Besides Brie?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of brie, you can substitute it with Camembert, goat cheese, or even cream cheese. Each will give a unique flavor and texture while still being delicious!
How Do I Know When the Chicken Is Cooked Through?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer—look for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, you can cut into the chicken: the juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken up to the stuffing step and store it in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before cooking for even results!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, and if you want to freshen it up, add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist!