This Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken reminds me of holiday potlucks in grandma’s rust-orange kitchensweet, savory, cheesy magic tucked into one warm bite. This one’s trending for good reason: juicy, pretty enough for company, and shockingly simple. 40 minutes, one skillet, all the heart.
It’s melty brie, tart cranberry sauce, and herb-seasoned chicken all wrapped into one bubbly, golden bake. Think Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken meets an Easy Thanksgiving Dish. No fancy tools or fussy stepsjust pantry staples and a little kitchen love. Full details in the blog!
I grew up watching my grandmother stuff chicken with whatever was in the fridgespinach, ricotta, even leftover Boursin once (it worked). That stuck. I test every version now, and this one? I added a little secret that makes the flavors sing. You’re gonna love it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be real: some stuffed chicken recipes can feel intimidating. But this Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken? It’s the perfect balance of easy and fancy. Here’s why you’ll love it:
Simple magic: Brie melts into creamy pockets of goodness, while cranberries add that holiday tang.
Versatile: Works as an Easy Thanksgiving Dish or for a cozy date-night dinner.
No waste: Uses pantry-friendly ingredients and transforms plain chicken into something special.
Beginner-approved: No fancy tools or chef skills requiredjust a little folding and tying.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Everything you need is simple and straightforward. Here’s the lineup:
Chicken breasts: The base of the recipe. Make sure they’re boneless, skinless, and fresh.
Brie: Creamy, gooey, and slightly tangy. Don’t have brie? Camembert or a garlic Boursin cheese can work, too!
Spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a fresh bite. No spinach? You can use chopped kale.
Dried cranberries: Tart sweetness to contrast the brie. Swap for chopped dried cherries if needed.
Onion and garlic: The flavor basics. Don’t skip these!
Oil: Helps sear and bring everything together.
Here’s a quick ingredient breakdown for easy reference:
Ingredient
Amount
Possible Swaps
Chicken Breasts
2 lbs
Tenderloins (adjust cooking time)
Brie Cheese
5 oz
Camembert, Boursin
Spinach
6 oz
Kale
Dried Cranberries
1/2 cup
Dried Cherries
Onion
1 small
Leeks
How to Make It: Step by Step
Don’t worry about perfectionit’s country-style cooking, after all. Here’s how to make Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken:
Prep the chicken: Slice the chicken lengthwise so it opens like a book. Tenderize slightly for even cooking.
Make the filling: Sauté onion and garlic in oil until soft. Add spinach, cranberries, thyme, and seasonings. Cook just until the spinach wilts.
Assemble: Lay out the chicken, layer on brie slices and stuffing, and fold closed. Secure with twine or toothpicks.
Sear: Give both sides a golden crust in a hot skillet.
Bake: Cover and transfer to the oven until cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes before removing the twine.
Pro Tip: Want to turn this into Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken? Swap the brie for ricotta and sprinkle in a bit of Parmesan for bold flavor.
Cooking Times At-a-Glance
Timing is everything! Here’s a quick chart to guide you:
Step
Time
Details
Prep
15 minutes
Butterflying, chopping, sautéing
Sear
6 minutes
3 minutes per side
Bake
25 minutes
Covered, at 375°F
Rest
5 minutes
Letting juices settle
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep them:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating is easy:
Method
Instructions
Oven
Cover with foil, reheat at 325°F for 10-15 minutes.
Microwave
Heat in intervals of 2 minutes, covered.
Stovetop
Sauté in a skillet with a little oil, flipping once.
Note: These work equally well for variations like Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken or Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast.
Expert Insight: Balancing Flavors in Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken
The combination of tart cranberries and creamy Brie in Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken creates a sophisticated flavor contrast that elevates simple poultry. The richness of the cheese balances the acidity of the fruit, while stuffing the chicken helps retain moisture, ensuring a tender and flavorful dish every time.
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Mastering Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken
This cranberry and brie stuffed chicken recipe took several rounds to perfectearly attempts had the brie melting too quickly or the chicken drying out. After refining the timing and layering, it now balances juicy chicken with creamy brie and tangy cranberry in every bite. This version reflects all those lessons and tastes like a comforting, polished family dinner.
FAQs ( Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken )
How do you keep Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken from drying out?
The key to juicy stuffed chicken breast is not overcooking it and using a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F. Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps it cook uniformly, while the creamy brie cheese naturally keeps the meat moist during baking. You can also tent the chicken with foil halfway through cooking if it’s browning too quickly. Similar to other stuffed chicken breast with stuffing recipes, letting it rest for 5 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute.
Can you make Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can stuff and secure the chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. This actually helps the flavors meld together beautifully, making it an easy Thanksgiving dish that reduces day-of prep work. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since you’ll be starting with cold chicken. Make sure to bring it closer to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking for more even cooking.
What can I substitute for brie in stuffed chicken?
Camembert is the closest substitute since it has a similar creamy texture and mild flavor profile. Cream cheese works wonderfully and creates an ultra-creamy filling, or you could try goat cheese for a tangier taste. For a different flavor profile entirely, swiss or gruyere cheese pair beautifully with cranberries. The key is choosing a cheese that melts well and complements the sweet-tart cranberry flavor.
How do you seal stuffed chicken breast properly?
Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the opening after stuffing – toothpicks are easier for beginners while twine gives a more professional look. Make sure not to overstuff the pocket, as this can cause the filling to leak out during cooking. Gently press the edges together before securing, and if using toothpicks, insert them at an angle for better hold. Remember to remove all toothpicks before serving, and consider warning your guests if any might have been missed!
Can you use fresh instead of dried cranberries in stuffed chicken?
Fresh cranberries work great, but they’re quite tart and will release more juice during cooking. If using fresh, chop them roughly and consider adding a touch of honey or maple syrup to balance the tartness. You might also want to saute them briefly with a little butter and sweetener before stuffing to soften them slightly. Whether fresh or dried, cranberries pair beautifully with brie and create a sophisticated flavor similar to apple and brie stuffed chicken variations.
Conclusion
This Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken comes together in just about 40 minutes and delivers that melt-in-your-mouth, cozy flavor you’ll want on repeat. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but special enough for an Easy Thanksgiving Dish or family dinner. You’ll love how juicy the chicken stays and how the sweet-tart cranberry pairs with creamy brie in every bite.
For a tasty twist, try swapping brie for ricotta to create a delightful Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Chicken, or add a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra savory touch. Leftovers reheat beautifullystore airtight in the fridge or freeze for later fuss-free meals. A little kitchen tip: folding in sautéed spinach and garlic lifts the whole dish, making it feel homemade and hearty.
Give this recipe a whirl and share your photos or favorite variationsdid you grow up with a comforting stuffed chicken in your kitchen? Whether you serve it up for company or tuck into a quiet night, this is one you’ll wanna pass on as a new family favorite.
Joe Rooney
Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken: Easy Delicious Recipe
This Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken recipe is a simple yet elegant dish perfect for Thanksgiving, date nights, or any gluten-free dinner. Tender chicken breasts are filled with creamy brie, spinach, and tart cranberries for a flavorful meal.
