Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe

If you’re dreaming up a meal that’s irresistibly comforting, impressive enough for guests, yet surprisingly easy to prepare, then let me introduce you to Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken. This dish beautifully blends juicy chicken with gooey melted brie, vibrant spinach, and the tart pop of cranberries, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. It’s a dinner that never fails to delight, whether for a special celebration or a cozy Sunday supper, and will quickly become the star of your recipe collection!

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how just a handful of ingredients can come together to create pure magic! Each component in Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken brings a unique flavor, texture, or color that elevates the dish beyond ordinary chicken dinners. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips to ensure every ingredient shines:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are perfect for stuffing and provide a juicy, mild canvas for bold flavors.
• Brie Cheese: Creamy and melty, brie’s mild tang balances the sweetness of the cranberries and adds irresistible richness.
• Onion: A minced onion adds a subtle sweetness and savory aromatic notes.
• Garlic: Just one clove, finely minced, is enough to lend a delightful depth to the filling.
• Oil: A neutral oil helps brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics. Olive or avocado oil both work well!
• Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and a gentle vegetal flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy cheese and juicy chicken.
• Dried Cranberries: These sweet-tart gems brighten every bite and provide a pleasant chewy contrast.
• Dried Thyme: Its earthy notes bring a touch of herbal warmth that ties everything together.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors – a little goes a long way!
• Ground Black Pepper: Adds subtle spiciness and enhances every savory element in the dish.

How to Make Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken

Step 1: Prepare and Butterfly the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Take each chicken breast and slice it lengthwise into six smaller pieces you can butterfly. Carefully slice into the middle of each piece, being sure not to cut all the way through. Open each piece flat and, with a gentle hand, tenderize them slightly so they’re uniform in thickness. Set aside while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatic Filling

Heat a large non-stick skillet on low-medium and swirl in half the oil. Add the minced onion and garlic, cooking gently until they’re soft and fragrant — your kitchen will smell incredible! Add the chopped spinach, cranberries, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together just until the spinach wilts down and the ingredients are well combined. Remove from heat so you’re ready to stuff!

Step 3: Stuff and Secure the Chicken

Divide your spinach and cranberry mixture into six portions. Lay a piece of butterflied chicken open and place a slice of brie in the center, followed by a mound of the filling. Fold the chicken over the filling, tucking the ends as best you can, and wrap tightly with kitchen twine (or a toothpick if you’re in a pinch). Repeat with each piece, then arrange the stuffed breasts on a plate and sprinkle with a bit more salt and pepper.

Step 4: Sear for Flavor

Return your skillet to medium heat and add the remaining oil. Sear the stuffed chicken on each side for about 3 minutes, just until they develop a lovely golden crust. This step locks in the flavor and helps the stuffing stay put.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

If your skillet is oven-safe, cover it and transfer straight to the oven. Otherwise, move the chicken to a baking dish, cover, and bake for about 25 minutes, until juicy and cooked through. Once done, let the chicken rest for five minutes, remove the twine, and get ready for applause!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken hot, spooning over any delicious juices left in the pan. The melty cheese mingled with tart cranberries and tender chicken will make every mouthful memorable.

How to Serve Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken

Garnishes

Dress up your Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken with a flurry of fresh chopped parsley or thyme. A few extra dried cranberries sprinkled over the top add color and a hint of sweetness, while a drizzle of the pan juices brings everything together. For special occasions, a little orange zest brightens every bite!

Side Dishes

This dish shines beside a simple wild rice pilaf, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted seasonal veggies. A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast, while herbed couscous or tender asparagus spears make an elegant pairing. Let the sides be simple, so the stuffed chicken remains the star.

Creative Ways to Present

For company, slice each chicken breast crosswise after resting to reveal the colorful layers of cranberry, brie, and spinach – arrange like medallions on a platter for maximum wow factor. At home, nestle the whole stuffed breasts atop your chosen grain and drizzle generously with the pan sauce for a cozy dinner-in feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Let the chicken cool completely before storing, and make sure to save any pan juices to keep the leftovers moist for reheating.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each cooked (and cooled) stuffed chicken breast tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken in a covered baking dish with a splash of chicken broth or the reserved pan juices. Warm in a 325 degree F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. The cheese will get melty again, and the chicken stays moist and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and have more flavor, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Just make sure to securely stuff and tie them, as they’re smaller and can be trickier to handle.

What’s the best way to keep the filling from falling out?

Wrapping the stuffed chicken tightly with kitchen twine – or using toothpicks to secure the ends – helps keep the delicious filling inside during both searing and baking. Always let the chicken rest before removing the twine for best results.

Can Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken be made ahead?

Yes! You can assemble the stuffed chicken up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to sear and bake. This makes dinner prep a breeze, especially for entertaining.

What can I use instead of brie cheese?

Soft cheeses like camembert, fontina, or even a mild goat cheese make excellent substitutes if you’re looking to switch things up or want to use what’s on hand.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F in the thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, check that the juices run clear and there’s no pink in the center.

Final Thoughts

This is the kind of dish that turns a regular meal into a special occasion. With luscious brie, jewel-like cranberries, and tender spinach all tucked in juicy chicken, Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken is on its way to becoming your new favorite recipe. Give it a try – you’ll be amazed at how simple and delicious homemade elegance can be!

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