Get ready to enjoy this amazing cranberry brie stuffed chicken! It’s juicy chicken filled with gooey brie cheese and a touch of sweet cranberry sauce. Yum!
This dish looks fancy but is super easy to make. I love serving it during special dinners—it always impresses my guests. Plus, who can resist melty cheese? 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best choice for this dish as they cook evenly and stay moist. If you’re vegetarian, consider using thick slices of eggplant or large portobello mushrooms as a delicious alternative.
Brie Cheese: Brie adds a creamy texture and distinct flavor. If you can’t find brie, camembert works well too. For a dairy-free option, look for vegan soft cheeses that melt nicely.
Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach is great for its color and nutrition. You can swap it with kale, swiss chard, or even frozen spinach—just be sure to thaw and drain it well!
Dried Cranberries: These add a wonderful sweetness. If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, use chopped dates or currants. Fresh cranberries can be used too, but they’ll need to be cooked down with some sugar.
Cream Cheese: While it adds creaminess, you can substitute with goat cheese for a tangy flavor or use ricotta cheese for a lighter alternative.
How Do You Properly Stuff Chicken Breasts?
Stuffing chicken can be tricky, but it’s all about getting that perfect pocket. Here’s how:
- Use a sharp knife to make a horizontal cut along the side of each chicken breast, creating a pocket. Be gentle and don’t cut all the way through!
- Mix your stuffing ingredients well so they pack nicely. This helps them fit easily into the pocket.
- Carefully stuff the pocket with cheese and the mixture. If it spills out a little, don’t worry; just push it back in.
- Secure the opening with toothpicks to keep everything in place while cooking.
- Sear the chicken for a crisp outside, then finish cooking it in the oven. This ensures juicy chicken and melty cheese!
Enjoy your cooking, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors to make this dish your own!
How to Make Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz brie cheese, sliced or cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce or whole cranberry compote (for topping)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep, and then around 25 minutes to cook. Altogether, you are looking at about 35-40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick yet fancy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot by the time you’re ready to bake the chicken.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Next, take your chicken breasts and make a horizontal cut along the side of each one, creating a pocket. Just be careful not to cut all the way through—you’re making a cozy little space for your delicious filling!
3. Mix the Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the chopped spinach, dried cranberries, cream cheese, minced garlic (if you’re using it), rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until it’s nicely combined. This filling is going to be so tasty!
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Now, it’s the fun part! Stuff each chicken breast pocket with slices of brie cheese and the spinach-cream cheese mixture. Don’t worry if it overflows a little; just pack it in as best you can. If the chicken doesn’t stay closed, you can secure it with toothpicks.
5. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This gives them a lovely color and flavor!
6. Bake the Chicken:
After searing, carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and the juices run clear. You’ll know it’s done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Rest and Serve:
Remove the toothpicks from the chicken and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken nice and moist!
8. Add the Topping:
Before enjoying, spoon some cranberry sauce over the top of each chicken breast and garnish with extra sprigs of rosemary if you like.
9. Dig In!
Now it’s time to enjoy your cranberry brie stuffed chicken! It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While brie gives a creamy texture and flavor, you can substitute it with camembert for a similar taste or even goat cheese for a tangy kick. Just make sure to choose a cheese that melts well!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No problem! You can use dried herbs instead. For rosemary and thyme, use about half the amount indicated in the recipe, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Just adjust to your taste!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, adding a splash of broth or water to help keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and stuff it in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, add an extra few minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge!
