Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken

Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is a festive, elegant dish that brings together creamy melted brie, tender spinach, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce all rolled inside juicy chicken breasts. As the chicken bakes, the brie becomes irresistibly gooey, the cranberries turn into a glossy jewel-toned sauce, and the herbs infuse every bite with warm holiday flavor. This recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or any special gathering where you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

The combination of savory and sweet is what makes this dish extraordinary. The chicken is first seared to develop a golden crust, then finished in the oven to melt the brie and allow the cranberry juices to create a naturally rich pan sauce. Beautiful on the plate and bursting with seasonal flavor, Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken delivers gourmet taste with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)

Stuffing:

• 4–6 oz brie cheese, sliced (rind removed if preferred)
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• ½ cup whole cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)

Cranberry Pan Sauce:

• ½ cup cranberry sauce
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon butter

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.
• Season inside and outside with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs.

Step 2: Stuff the Chicken

• Layer spinach inside each pocket.
• Add 2–3 slices of brie cheese on top of the spinach.
• Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce inside each chicken breast.
• Secure with toothpicks if needed to keep filling in place.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add chicken and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown (do not cook through).
• Transfer chicken to a baking dish or leave in the skillet if oven-safe.

Step 4: Bake

• Place chicken in the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and brie is melted.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

• In the same skillet or a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, chicken broth, balsamic vinegar or maple (if using), and Dijon mustard.
• Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring until slightly thickened.
• Stir in butter at the end for a glossy finish.

Step 6: Serve

• Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 3 minutes.
• Slice into medallions and drizzle with cranberry sauce.
• Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme.

Variations

• Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken: Replace cranberry sauce with apple slices and a touch of honey.
• Pecan Cranberry Version: Add chopped pecans to the stuffing for crunch.
• Low Carb Version: Use sugar-free cranberry sauce and omit maple syrup.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over garlic mashed potatoes, wild rice, or buttered noodles.
• Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or sweet potato casserole.
• Add extra cranberry sauce on the side for dipping.

Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 36g
• Sodium: 410mg

Conclusion

Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is a stunning dish that delivers a perfect blend of creamy cheese, savory chicken, and festive cranberry flavor with every bite. The tender chicken breast holds in the melted brie and spinach, while the cranberry glaze adds a burst of color and sweetness that makes this dish holiday-worthy and absolutely irresistible. Whether you are preparing a special dinner or hosting a festive gathering, this recipe promises gourmet flavor with minimal effort.