If you’re looking for a sophisticated, flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare, this Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken recipe is a must-try. It combines tender chicken breasts with creamy brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce for a perfect balance of savory and sweet in every bite.
Why You’ll Love Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
This recipe is a fantastic choice because:
- It offers a gourmet restaurant-level flavor made simply at home.
- The combination of creamy brie and tart cranberry is uniquely delicious.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser for holiday dinners or special occasions.
- Ready in under an hour, it fits well into busy weeknight dinners.
- Healthy and satisfying with a low-carb profile.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 ounces brie cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (fresh or canned)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Chopped walnuts (optional)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure stuffing
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally without cutting through completely, creating a pocket.
- Season the chicken breasts inside and out with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Stuff each breast with slices of brie cheese and a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
- Secure the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
- If using, sprinkle chopped walnuts over the chicken about 5 minutes before the end of the baking time. This gives them a delicate, toasted effect and adds a lovely crunch.
- Remove toothpicks or twine before serving.
How to Serve Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
Serving this dish elegantly enhances the dining experience. Consider slicing the chicken to reveal the melted brie and rich cranberry inside, which makes for a visually appealing presentation. Pair with sides that complement the sweet and savory flavors:
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
- Creamy mashed potatoes or a light wild rice pilaf.
- A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance richness.
- Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious juices.
For a festive touch, garnish the plate with fresh rosemary sprigs or additional cranberries along the side. This dish works beautifully for holiday meals or romantic dinners, delivering both impressive flavor and visual appeal.
Discover great ideas like pairing this dish with a warm and comforting roasted butternut squash soup to start your meal here for a perfect seasonal combo.
How to Store Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
To keep your leftovers fresh and flavorful:
- Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Wrap the chicken tightly in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- When reheating, do so gently in a low oven or microwave to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of broth or water can help retain moisture.
- Avoid reheating repeatedly to maintain the creamy texture of the brie.
Proper storage lets you enjoy this delicious recipe as a quick and easy meal later in the week.
Tips to Make Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
- Use good quality brie cheese for the best creamy melt.
- For a healthier twist, substitute cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries cooked down with a little honey.
- Use a meat mallet to pound chicken breasts evenly for uniform cooking.
- Securely close the stuffed chicken with toothpicks to avoid any cheese leakage.
- Searing in an oven-safe skillet helps lock in juices before baking.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after baking for optimal juiciness.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cranberry filling for added flavor layers.
These tips ensure your chicken comes out tender, flavorful, and visually appealing every time.
Variations of Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
You can customize this recipe in multiple delicious ways:
- Swap brie for goat cheese or mozzarella for different creamy textures.
- Add a layer of spinach or arugula inside for a pop of green and extra nutrition.
- Use a savory herb stuffing mix alongside the cranberry for a more complex flavor.
- Substitute cranberry sauce with fig jam or apricot preserves for alternate sweetness.
- Try wrapping the stuffed chicken in prosciutto or bacon before cooking for added smoky flavor.
- For a spicy kick, add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or chipotle powder to the cranberry filling.
- Serve over a bed of quinoa or cauliflower rice to keep things lighter.
Explore related appetizer ideas like this million dollar bacon crostini recipe for a savory crowd-pleaser here.
FAQs
Q1: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts ahead, keep them refrigerated, and cook just before serving.
Q2: What if I don’t have fresh chicken breasts?
A2: Frozen chicken breasts work fine; just thaw completely before butterflying and stuffing.
Q3: How do I avoid the cheese leaking out during cooking?
A3: Secure the edges well with toothpicks and don’t overstuff the chicken pockets.
Q4: Can this dish be made dairy-free?
A4: You can substitute brie with a dairy-free cheese alternative, though the flavor will differ.
Final Thoughts
Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is a fantastic dish that brings restaurant-quality elegance and flavors to your home kitchen with minimal effort. Its perfect balance of creamy brie and tangy cranberry, wrapped in juicy chicken, makes it suitable for everyday dinners or special occasions alike. With versatile serving, storage, and variation options, it’s a recipe worth mastering. Give it a try, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
For delightful holiday party inspiration, don’t miss our festive Snowman Christmas Cheese Ball recipe to complement your celebration perfectly here.
Follow me on Pinterest where I share cozy, easy-to-make baking recipes just like this one.
Print
Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with creamy brie and tangy cranberry sauce, oven-baked for a festive restaurant-worthy dish that comes together in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 ounces brie cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (fresh or canned)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Chopped walnuts (optional)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure stuffing
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Butterfly each chicken breast to create a pocket.
3. Season chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and herbs.
4. Stuff each breast with brie cheese slices and cranberry sauce.
5. Secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
6. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Sear stuffed chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
8. Transfer skillet to oven and bake 20–25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted.
9. . If using, sprinkle chopped walnuts over the chicken about 5 minutes before the end of the baking time. This gives them a delicate, toasted effect and adds a lovely crunch.
10. Remove toothpicks or twine before serving.
Notes
Make ahead: Stuff chicken breasts and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance, then cook as directed.
Reheat: Warm gently in a low oven with a splash of broth to keep chicken moist.
Swap brie for goat cheese, or use fresh cranberries simmered with honey for an extra tangy filling.
Perfect with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 120mg