This juicy chicken stuffed with creamy brie and tart cranberries is a wonderful dish! The mix of flavors gives a delightful twist that makes every bite special.
Honestly, it feels like a fancy dinner without all the fuss! I love serving it with a side of veggies. Everyone thinks I’m a chef, but really, it’s just this simple recipe doing the trick! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this recipe since they cook evenly and can be easily stuffed. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier option; they add a different flavor too.
Brie Cheese: Brie adds a creamy texture. If you can’t find Brie, try cream cheese or goat cheese for a different taste. They’ll still give a nice creaminess without compromising too much on flavor.
Cranberries: You can use fresh or frozen cranberries, but dried cranberries won’t work well since they lack moisture. For something different, try using chopped apples or dried cherries for a fruity twist.
Spinach or Kale: This is optional, but I like adding it for extra nutrition. Feel free to skip it or swap with other leafy greens like Swiss chard or even arugula.
How Do I Safely Cut and Stuff the Chicken?
Cutting and stuffing the chicken can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be! Here’s how to do it safely:
- Use a sharp knife to slice the chicken. It’s best to slice horizontally and create a pocket. Do this slowly to avoid cutting all the way through.
- Once the pocket is created, hold the chicken firmly on a cutting board. This keeps it stable and prevents accidents.
- Stuffing is easy! Use your hands or a small spoon to gently fill the pocket with Brie and cranberries, being careful not to overstuff.
Remember, if it looks a bit messy, that’s perfectly fine! It will taste great regardless. Enjoy your cooking!
Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz Brie cheese, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (plus sprigs for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine (optional, for basting)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, to drizzle over cranberry filling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 30 minutes for cooking, making it a great choice for a weekday dinner or a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket horizontally into each chicken breast. Be cautious not to cut all the way through; you want to create a nice pocket for the stuffing.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the cranberries with the chopped spinach or kale (if you’re using it) and drizzle in honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness. Mix it all together and set aside.
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Take the stuffing mixture and carefully fill each chicken breast pocket with the Brie cheese and cranberry mixture. Make sure it’s evenly distributed but don’t overstuff!
5. Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle salt, pepper, minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary on both sides of the chicken breasts. This will add a burst of flavor to the dish!
6. Sear the Chicken:
In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
7. Add Moisture:
If you’d like, add the chicken broth or white wine to the skillet. This will help keep the chicken moist while it bakes and create a lovely sauce.
8. Bake the Chicken:
Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
9. Rest the Chicken:
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken tender.
10. Serve:
Slice the chicken if desired and serve it topped with the pan juices, garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs. Enjoy every delicious bite of this unique dish!
Bon appétit! Enjoy the delightful blend of creamy Brie and tart cranberries with the tender chicken, accented by fresh herbs!
Can I Use Different Cheese for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Brie is rich and creamy, you can substitute it with cream cheese or goat cheese for a different flavor. Just remember, the texture and taste may vary a bit, but it will still be delicious!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can! You can stuff the chicken breasts the night before, cover them, and store them in the fridge. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven or microwave until heated through, ensuring you don’t dry it out.
What Can I Serve with Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables, rice, or a light salad. The creamy and tart flavors complement these sides beautifully!
