If you’re looking for a dish that feels both festive and comforting, this Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. Juicy chicken breasts get transformed by a melty, creamy Brie and sweet cranberry sauce filling that’s bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect way to elevate a simple protein into something truly special, whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Every bite balances savory, sweet, and tangy in such a memorable way that this recipe quickly becomes a favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the smooth richness of Brie to the bright pop of cranberry sauce, all wrapped up in tender chicken seasoned just right.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas for stuffing, lean and easy to cook through evenly.
- 4 oz Brie cheese, sliced: Creamy and mild, it melts beautifully to create a luscious filling.
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (fresh or canned): Adds a lovely tart sweetness that contrasts with the Brie.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for searing the chicken to a gorgeous golden brown.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a subtle herbal note that complements both chicken and cheese.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, aromatic touch to finish the dish.
How to Make Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, take a sharp knife and carefully slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Be gentle here — you want to create enough space to hold the filling without cutting all the way through the meat.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Once your pockets are ready, it’s time to bring on the flavor. Sprinkle both sides of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. This seasoning base is simple but essential because it enhances the natural taste of the chicken and pairs perfectly with the filling.
Step 3: Stuff with Brie and Cranberry Sauce
This part is the star of the show. Fill each pocket with slices of creamy Brie and about 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce. The Brie melts while baking, enveloping the tart cranberry in a smooth, dreamy combo. If needed, secure the opening with toothpicks so your delicious filling doesn’t escape while cooking.
Step 4: Sear to Perfection
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place your stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. This step locks in juices and creates a beautiful golden crust that’s irresistible both in look and taste.
Step 5: Bake Until Juicy and Melted
Transfer your skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes. This ensures the chicken cooks all the way through and the Brie inside has melted perfectly, creating a gooey, flavorful center.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
After baking, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute so each bite is juicy and tender. Then, carefully remove any toothpicks and add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme on top for an extra touch of freshness and aroma.
How to Serve Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme doesn’t just look beautiful on the plate — it also adds a gentle herbal aroma that complements the creamy Brie and tangy cranberries perfectly. A light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper can also enhance the final presentation.
Side Dishes
This Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe shines when paired with sides that balance its richness. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes add earthy sweetness, while a crisp green salad offers refreshing contrast. Mashed potatoes or a delicate wild rice pilaf also work wonderfully alongside to soak up any leftover juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive dinner, slice the stuffed chicken breasts on a diagonal to reveal the colorful filling and arrange them fan-like on the plate. You can also serve them over a bed of creamy polenta or alongside a cranberry reduction sauce to amplify the festive flavors. A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs finishes the look with a bright, fresh touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for tasty next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen before cooking — simply prepare and stuff the chicken breasts as directed, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stuffed chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes until heated through. Avoid using the microwave if possible, as the texture can suffer and the Brie filling may become overly runny.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Brie?
Absolutely! While Brie is fantastic for its creaminess and mild flavor, you can substitute with Camembert, cream cheese, or even mozzarella. Just keep in mind that different cheeses melt differently and will change the flavor slightly.
Is fresh cranberry sauce better than canned for this recipe?
Both work wonderfully. Fresh homemade cranberry sauce offers a brighter, fresher taste, but good-quality canned cranberry sauce is convenient and perfectly complements the Brie and chicken.
Can I prepare this recipe without an oven-safe skillet?
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can sear the chicken in a regular pan first, then transfer it to a baking dish to finish cooking in the oven.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure the juices run clear and there’s no pink remaining inside when you cut into the thickest part.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your cranberry sauce is free of added gluten ingredients. Always check labels just to be sure.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s approachable yet special, perfect for treating yourself or impressing guests with minimal effort. I’m confident once you try it, it will find a permanent spot in your recipe box — it’s too delicious not to!
Print
Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken recipe combines juicy, tender chicken breasts with creamy Brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce for a delightful balance of flavors. Perfectly seared and then baked to melt the cheese inside, this elegant dish is ideal for a special dinner or holiday meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Stuffing
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz Brie cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (fresh or canned)
Seasoning and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken later.
- Create Chicken Pockets: Carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast using a sharp knife, being careful not to slice through entirely to hold the filling.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and dried thyme evenly over the chicken breasts to enhance their flavor.
- Stuff the Chicken: Fill each pocket with slices of Brie cheese and approximately 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce. Use toothpicks to secure the openings if necessary to keep the filling inside.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust, which locks in juices and adds flavor.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the Brie cheese inside has melted beautifully.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks and garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme before serving to add a fragrant, fresh touch.
Notes
- Make sure not to cut through the chicken breasts entirely to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to easily transfer the chicken from stovetop to oven.
- If Brie rind is undesirable, you can trim it before slicing the cheese.
- Fresh cranberry sauce works wonderfully, but canned cranberry sauce is a convenient alternative.
- Allowing the chicken to rest before serving helps retain juices for a moist texture.
