This chicken dish is a cozy delight! It’s filled with creamy brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce, bringing a tasty twist to dinner time.
I love how the gooey cheese and sweet cranberries make each bite special. Plus, it’s a fun way to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. If you prefer, you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option. Thighs may take a bit longer to cook through, so adjust your baking time accordingly.
Brie Cheese: Brie adds a luxurious creaminess. If you can’t find it, try camembert or a soft goat cheese. They’ll bring similar richness, but with a slightly different flavor twist.
Dried Cranberries: These are sweet and tart, enhancing the dish. If you’re out of cranberries, consider using raisins or dried cherries for a fun change!
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary and thyme bring fantastic flavor to this meal. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can work in a pinch—just use about a third of the amount.
How Can You Successfully Stuff Chicken Breasts Without Spillage?
Stuffing chicken breasts can be tricky, but with the right technique, you can keep all those delicious fillings inside. Here’s how to do it:
- When slicing the chicken, create a deep pocket, but avoid cutting through the other side.
- Pack the filling gently but firmly. Don’t overstuff! Leaving a little room will help prevent spillage.
- Secure the openings with toothpicks to lock in the stuffing. Alternatively, kitchen twine can keep the pocket closed.
Using these tips ensures your stuffing stays snug, resulting in a wonderfully flavorful and not messy dish!
Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Filling:
- 4 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into slices
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15-20 minutes to prepare and approximately 25-30 minutes to cook in the oven. In total, you’re looking at around 50 minutes before you get to enjoy this delicious stuffed chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for the chicken when you’re done prepping it.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and carefully slice a pocket into the side of each one. Make sure you’re gentle to avoid slicing through the other side. This pocket will hold the tasty filling!
3. Make the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the chopped spinach, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, dried cranberries, and slices of brie cheese. Combine everything well to distribute the flavors evenly.
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Take the filling and carefully stuff portions of it into each chicken breast pocket. Don’t overstuff! Then, use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the openings so the filling stays inside during cooking.
5. Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over both sides of the stuffed chicken breasts. This will add flavor while they cook!
6. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown. This step adds a lovely color and flavor.
7. Bake the Chicken:
Now, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly. You can check for doneness by making sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
8. Final Touch:
Once cooked, take the skillet out of the oven and carefully remove the toothpicks or twine. You want to make sure everything is looking pretty for serving!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate the chicken, and if you’d like, garnish each serving with fresh rosemary sprigs and a few extra dried cranberries. Dig in and enjoy the delicious blend of melty brie and tart cranberries in your tender chicken!
Can I Use Other Cheeses Instead of Brie?
Absolutely! If brie isn’t available, you can replace it with camembert, cream cheese, or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Each will melt beautifully, adding a creamy texture to your dish.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the stuffed chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s been resting in the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover cranberry brie stuffed chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or you can use the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.
What Sides Pair Well with This Dish?
This stuffed chicken goes great with sides like roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple garden salad. These pairings will balance the richness of the cheese and cranberries beautifully!