Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken a juicy chicken breasts stuffed with creamy Brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce create a perfect balance of savory and sweet in every bite. This dish is simple to prepare yet feels special enough for any occasion, combining classic flavors in a delicious way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into something extraordinary with just a few ingredients. The creamy Brie melts beautifully inside the chicken, while the cranberry sauce adds a bright, tangy contrast that keeps every bite interesting. Plus, it’s easy to make but looks impressive when served, perfect for both weeknight dinners and guests.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 oz Brie cheese, sliced
1/2 cup cranberry sauce (fresh or canned)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
Stuff each pocket with slices of Brie cheese and about 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce. Use toothpicks to secure if needed.
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese has melted.
Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Take out the toothpicks and garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
I sometimes swap out the Brie for cream cheese or goat cheese for a different creamy texture and flavor.
Adding a handful of spinach or kale inside the pocket with the cheese and cranberry sauce adds a nice green touch.
For a smoky twist, sprinkling a little smoked paprika or adding crispy bacon inside works really well.
You can replace cranberry sauce with apricot or raspberry jam for a slightly different fruity flavor.
Using fresh cranberries cooked down into a sauce with a bit of orange zest gives a fresher, tangier result.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, which helps keep the chicken juicy and the cheese melty. Microwaving is faster but can sometimes dry out the chicken or cause the cheese to become rubbery.
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FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but I recommend thawing the chicken completely before stuffing and cooking to ensure even cooking and to make it easier to cut the pockets.
What can I use if I don’t have cranberry sauce?
You can substitute cranberry sauce with other fruit preserves like raspberry, apricot, or even a chutney for a similar sweet and tangy effect.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can use a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well, or try a flavorful hummus or avocado spread instead of Brie.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can stuff the chicken breasts a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to cook. However, I prefer cooking them fresh for the best texture.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check without cutting into the chicken and losing juices.
Conclusion
I find this Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken to be a delightful way to elevate a simple chicken dinner with minimal effort. The combination of creamy cheese and tart cranberry is both comforting and exciting, making it a meal I enjoy making repeatedly. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this recipe delivers great flavor and beautiful presentation every time
📖 Recipe:
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Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with creamy Brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce, offering a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors in every bite. Simple to prepare and elegant enough for any occasion.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 oz Brie cheese, sliced
1/2 cup cranberry sauce (fresh or canned)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
- Stuff each pocket with slices of Brie cheese and about 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce. Use toothpicks to secure if needed.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese has melted.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Take out the toothpicks and garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme before serving.
Notes
Can substitute Brie with cream cheese or goat cheese for different texture and flavor.
Adding spinach or kale inside the pocket adds a green touch.
Sprinkle smoked paprika or add crispy bacon for a smoky flavor.
Cranberry sauce can be replaced with apricot or raspberry jam for a fruity variation.
Using fresh cranberries cooked with orange zest offers a fresher, tangier sauce.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven to maintain juiciness.
For dairy-free, use a dairy-free cheese alternative or a hummus/avocado spread instead of Brie.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
