Let’s be real: some nights call for more than just a simple chicken breast. You want something that feels special, a dish that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but secretly comes together without breaking a sweat. That’s the magic of this Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken. It’s the perfect solution for when you need to wow your family on a weeknight or host a last-minute dinner party without the stress. The combination of juicy chicken, creamy melted brie, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce is nothing short of spectacular. It’s a flavor party in every single bite.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
- Fancy Enough for Guests: The stunning presentation and gourmet flavor combo make it perfect for holidays or date nights.
- Surprisingly Simple: Don’t let the “stuffed” part scare you. The process is straightforward and totally doable, even on a busy evening.
- A Flavor Explosion: The way the creamy, melty brie mingles with the sweet and tangy cranberry is a match made in heaven.
- Versatile: It pairs beautifully with so many sides, from a simple green salad to roasted potatoes.
Gather Your Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this show-stopping dish. The beauty of it is in its simplicity!
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small slices
- 1/4 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being sure not to cut all the way through.
- In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Season the outside and the inside of the chicken pockets with this mixture.
- Stuff each chicken breast with slices of brie and a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce. Use toothpicks to secure the opening closed.
- Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side, until you get a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before removing the toothpicks. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Your Kitchen Tools
You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this one! Just a trusty oven-safe skillet, a sharp knife, and a few toothpicks are all it takes to get this dinner on the table.
Tips for the Most Delicious Stuffed Chicken
The first time I made this, I learned a few things the hard way so you don’t have to! Here are my top tips for success:
- Room Temp Cheese is Key: Let the brie sit out for 15-20 minutes before you start. It will be much easier to slice and will melt more evenly.
- Don’t Overstuff: It’s tempting to pack in as much cheesy goodness as possible, but if you overfill, it will all ooze out during cooking. A little goes a long way!
- Rest Your Meat: Letting the chicken rest after it comes out of the oven is non-negotiable. It allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
- Switch It Up: Not a fan of cranberry sauce? Try a dollop of fig jam or even apple butter for a different sweet twist.
What to Serve With Your Masterpiece
This chicken is the star of the show, but it needs a great supporting cast! For a complete meal, I love to pair it with some garlic mashed potatoes or a bed of fluffy quinoa to soak up all the delicious pan juices. A crisp Arugula Salad with a Lemon Vinaigrette provides a fresh, peppery contrast that cuts through the richness of the brie beautifully. And don’t forget a crusty baguette for wiping the plate clean!
Your Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Questions, Answered
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would work wonderfully here. They might even be more forgiving and remain extra juicy. Just note that their cooking time may be slightly shorter, so keep an eye on them and always check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth or water, cover with foil, and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through. This helps keep the chicken from drying out.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can be a meal-prep hero with this one! You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts (sear them if you’d like) and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before popping them in the oven.
What’s the best way to remove the rind from brie?
The rind on brie is edible, but for a super smooth melt inside the chicken, I prefer to remove it. The easiest way is to pop the brie in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. It will firm up, making it a breeze to slice off the rind with a sharp knife.
There you have it—a recipe that delivers on both flavor and wow-factor without demanding a culinary degree. This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is a testament to the idea that the best meals are often a combination of simple, quality ingredients prepared with a little bit of love. It’s a dish that’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear what your family thinks!
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Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Savor Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe an easy gourmet tech for holiday dinners or a special evening meal Simple decadent
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small slices
- 1/4 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being sure not to cut all the way through.
- In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Season the outside and the inside of the chicken pockets with this mixture.
- Stuff each chicken breast with slices of brie and a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce. Use toothpicks to secure the opening closed.
- Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side, until you get a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before removing the toothpicks. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
An impressively easy recipe for cranberry brie stuffed chicken that is perfect for a special weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests. A flavor explosion of juicy chicken, creamy melted brie, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 servings
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 52 g