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If you’re on the hunt for a dish that feels both elegant and comforting, this Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe is going to sweep you off your feet. Imagine tender chicken breasts bursting with creamy, melty Brie and the sweet-tart zing of cranberry sauce—each bite delivers a perfect harmony that’s surprisingly simple to create. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or just treat yourself to something special, this recipe combines minimal ingredients for maximum flavor and charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish truly shine.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas for stuffing, tender and easy to work with.
- 4 oz Brie cheese, sliced: Adds creaminess and a rich, buttery depth that melts beautifully inside the chicken.
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (fresh or canned): Provides a vibrant, tangy contrast that brightens every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a golden sear that locks in moisture and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a gentle herbal note that complements both the chicken and the stuffing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that bring the whole dish into balance.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional): Adds a fragrant and fresh finishing touch to your plate.
How to Make Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which ensures a hot environment to finish cooking the chicken evenly after searing. Then, grab a sharp knife and carefully create a pocket in the side of each chicken breast—this step is key since your Brie and cranberry will nestle inside this pocket to infuse every bite with flavor.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Generously sprinkle salt, pepper, and dried thyme over each chicken breast. This simple seasoning step not only enhances the natural taste of the chicken but also harmonizes wonderfully with the stuffing ingredients.
Step 3: Stuff with Brie and Cranberry Sauce
Now comes the fun part—stuff each chicken pocket with slices of creamy Brie and about two tablespoons of cranberry sauce. If the filling feels a bit loose, secure the opening with toothpicks, so the delicious center doesn’t escape during cooking.
Step 4: Sear to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust. This step locks in juices and adds delightful texture.
Step 5: Bake Until Tender and Melted
Transfer your skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through, and the Brie inside fully melted, creating a luscious, gooey surprise inside.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes—this allows the juices to redistribute and stops the cheese from spilling out immediately. Take out any toothpicks and finish with a sprinkle of fresh rosemary or thyme for a fragrant, elegant touch.
How to Serve Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your plate with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme not only elevates the presentation but adds a subtle aromatic note that enhances the flavors already present in this Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe.
Side Dishes
This stuffed chicken shines alongside simple, comforting sides. Think buttery mashed potatoes or a fluffy wild rice pilaf that soak up the savory juices. Roasted seasonal vegetables or a crisp green salad add texture and a sprinkle of freshness to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, slice the chicken breasts diagonally to showcase the gorgeous Brie and cranberry filling. Serve on a warm platter with a drizzle of pan juices or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze to highlight the sweet and savory interplay in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they’ll stay fresh for up to three days, giving you another day of delicious meals without extra cooking.
Freezing
The Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe can be frozen before baking—wrap each stuffed breast tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. This gentle reheating helps the Brie remain creamy and prevents the chicken from drying out compared to microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Brie?
Absolutely! While Brie brings a mild creaminess and slight earthiness, you can experiment with mozzarella for meltiness or goat cheese for tang. Keep in mind this will slightly change the flavor profile but keep things delicious.
Is fresh cranberry sauce better than canned?
Fresh cranberry sauce adds a vibrant, homemade freshness, but quality canned cranberry sauce works wonderfully too and is a great time saver. Both deliver the right balance of sweetness and tartness for this recipe.
How do I ensure the chicken stays moist?
Searing the chicken first locks in moisture, and baking in an oven-safe skillet helps cook evenly. Also, letting the chicken rest before slicing ensures juices settle back into the meat for juicy bites.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your cranberry sauce and seasonings do not contain any gluten additives. Always double-check if you are serving someone with gluten sensitivities.
What wine pairs well with Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red such as Pinot Noir complements the creamy Brie and fruity cranberry flavors beautifully, enhancing the elegance of the dish.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe enough for anyone who loves meals that feel both special and approachable. It’s a beautiful way to combine simple ingredients into something truly memorable. Whether for a festive dinner or a cozy night in, this dish invites warmth and smiles around your table. Give it a try—you’re going to fall in love with the savory-sweet magic inside every bite!
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Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken is a deliciously elegant dish featuring tender chicken breasts filled with creamy Brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce. Perfect for a festive meal or a special dinner, this recipe combines savory and sweet flavors with a hint of herbs, cooked to golden perfection in a skillet and oven.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Filling
- 4 oz Brie cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (fresh or canned)
Seasoning and Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken later.
- Create Chicken Pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast without slicing all the way through, creating space for the filling.
- Season Chicken: Season each chicken breast thoroughly with salt, pepper, and dried thyme for flavor enhancement.
- Stuff Chicken: Fill each pocket with slices of Brie cheese and approximately 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce. Secure the opening with toothpicks if needed to hold the filling.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese inside is melted and gooey.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Remove toothpicks and garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme before serving.
Notes
- If fresh cranberry sauce is unavailable, canned cranberry sauce works well as a convenient alternative.
- Ensure the chicken pockets are securely closed to prevent filling from spilling during cooking.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring chicken to another dish for baking.
- Resting the chicken after baking helps retain moisture and improves tenderness.
- Pair with a light salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the filling.
