Description
This Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a delicious mixture of sautéed spinach, sweet dried cranberries, and creamy brie cheese. The chicken is seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, seared to a golden brown, and then oven-baked to juicy perfection. Perfect for an elegant yet easy weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Filling
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 4 ounces brie cheese, sliced
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare chicken breasts: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and carefully cut a pocket into the side of each breast without cutting all the way through.
- Season the chicken: Season the inside and outside of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme for balanced flavor.
- Sauté the spinach: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add fresh spinach leaves and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Mix spinach and cranberries: In a small bowl, combine the sautéed spinach with dried cranberries to create the flavorful filling base.
- Stuff the chicken: Stuff each chicken breast pocket with equal portions of the spinach and cranberry mixture, then layer slices of brie cheese inside for creamy richness.
- Secure the filling: Use toothpicks to close the chicken pockets, ensuring the filling remains inside during cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat remaining olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add stuffed chicken breasts and sear each side for about 3 minutes until golden brown and flavorful.
- Add broth and bake: Pour chicken broth into the skillet around the chicken to keep it moist, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Bake until cooked: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife to carefully create the pocket in the chicken breasts without cutting through completely.
- Brie can be substituted with cream cheese or mozzarella if preferred.
- To ensure even cooking, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before stuffing.
- Remove toothpicks before serving to avoid injury.
- For added flavor, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley on top before serving.