If you’re searching for a show-stopping dinner that feels festive and indulgent but comes together effortlessly, this Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine juicy chicken breasts bursting with creamy brie and tangy cranberry filling, perfectly seasoned with fragrant garlic and rosemary. This dish brings a beautiful balance of savory and sweet that will brighten your table any night of the week. It’s a delightful twist on classic flavors that’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the heart of this recipe. Each one plays a crucial role: the chicken provides a tender, satisfying base; brie adds luscious creaminess; cranberry sauce brings a pop of vibrant sweetness; and herbs plus garlic bring everything together with deep flavor and warming aroma.
- Chicken breasts: Choose plump, boneless breasts for even stuffing and cooking.
- Brie cheese: Soft and creamy, it melts beautifully to complement the tangy cranberry.
- Cranberry sauce or jam: Adds that signature sweet-tart brightness that steals the show.
- Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken to create a golden, flavorful crust.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for an aromatic kick that enhances every bite.
- Rosemary: Fresh or dried, it lends a fragrant, piney note that pairs perfectly with chicken.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Pockets
Start by carefully slicing a pocket into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through. This pocket will hold your filling, so make sure it’s large enough to stuff with a generous amount of brie and cranberry sauce. This step sets the stage for the flavors to meld beautifully inside the chicken.
Step 2: Stuff with Brie and Cranberry
Fill each chicken pocket with slices of creamy brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce. The combination pools inside the meat as it cooks, creating a luscious, gooey center. Don’t be shy here – the more filling, the more delicious.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Sprinkle freshly minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper evenly over the stuffed chicken. These aromatics will infuse the chicken with savory depth and fragrance, elevating the simple ingredients into something truly special.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear each breast for 2-3 minutes per side. This quick searing locks in juices and forms a beautiful golden crust that adds wonderful texture to the dish.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Transfer the seared chicken to a preheated oven and bake until cooked through, about 15-20 minutes depending on thickness. Baking allows the cheese to melt fully and the flavors to marry, resulting in a tender and aromatic meal.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh rosemary leaves or finely chopped parsley is a simple way to add a pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich chicken. For an extra festive touch, a few whole cranberries or a small drizzle of leftover cranberry sauce makes the presentation irresistible.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus, whose earthy flavors balance the richness of the brie. Creamy mashed potatoes or a wild rice pilaf are also fantastic for soaking up the delicious juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning dinner party, slice the stuffed chicken into medallions to reveal the colorful filling and arrange them on a platter with fresh herbs and a side of cranberry sauce for dipping. Alternatively, serve over a bed of mixed greens drizzled with a light vinaigrette for a lighter, elegant option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making an excellent next-day lunch or quick dinner option.
Freezing
If you want to save time later, you can freeze the cooked chicken breasts before serving. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15 minutes. This helps maintain moisture and keeps the filling creamy without drying out the chicken. Microwaving is possible but might affect texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie?
Absolutely! While brie’s creaminess and mild flavor are ideal, you can substitute with camembert, cream cheese, or even a mild goat cheese for a slightly different but equally delicious taste.
Is cranberry jam a good alternative to cranberry sauce?
Yes, cranberry jam works beautifully if you prefer a thicker, more concentrated sweetness. Just be mindful of sugar content to keep the dish balanced.
How can I ensure the chicken stays moist?
Sealing the chicken with a quick sear before baking locks in juices. Also, avoid overbaking by checking the internal temperature – once it reaches 165°F (74°C), it’s perfectly cooked and still juicy.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can stuff the chicken breasts a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated. Just wait to sear and bake them until right before serving to ensure maximum freshness.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir complements the fruity and creamy flavors in the Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe is a brilliant blend of simple ingredients turned extraordinary. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions when you want to impress without stress. Once you give it a try, you’ll wonder why you didn’t discover this delicious combo sooner. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every joyful bite!
Print
Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is an elegant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with creamy brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce. Seasoned with garlic and rosemary, the chicken is quickly seared to lock in juices and then baked to perfection. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or holiday meal, offering a delicious combination of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken and Filling
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 ounces brie cheese, sliced
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce or cranberry jam
Seasonings and Cooking
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the thickest part of each chicken breast, making sure not to slice all the way through.
- Stuff the Chicken: Fill each pocket with slices of brie cheese and a spoonful of cranberry sauce or jam, distributing evenly.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the outside of the chicken breasts with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper to infuse flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear each chicken breast for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown, helping to seal in the juices.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife to carefully create the pockets without cutting through the other side of the chicken breast.
- If you don’t have fresh rosemary, dried rosemary can be used, but use about half the amount.
- For even cooking, pound chicken breasts lightly to an even thickness before cutting pockets if desired.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Ensure the skillet used for searing is oven-safe if you plan to transfer it directly to the oven.
