Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is a delightful mix of juicy chicken breasts, creamy melted brie cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce all wrapped up in one beautiful dish. The combination of flavors is both fresh and comforting, making it perfect for a special dinner or holiday gathering. The chicken stays moist and tender, while the brie adds a rich, smooth texture, and the cranberry provides a pop of sweetness and tartness that balances everything out.
I love making this dish when I want to wow my family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen. One tip I’ve found helpful is to secure the chicken with toothpicks after filling it up so none of the delicious cheese or cranberry filling escapes while cooking. It’s always fun to slice into the cooked chicken and see that beautiful filling peek out—it feels like a little surprise waiting on each plate.
My favorite way to serve this stuffed chicken is alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to keep things light and colorful. It’s perfect for sharing around the table and makes any meal feel a bit more special. Plus, it’s a great way to bring a festive vibe to the dinner table any time of the year, not just the holidays!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Choose thick, even-sized breasts for easier stuffing. If large, you can butterfly them slightly to fit more filling. For a leaner option, turkey cutlets also work well.
Brie cheese: Its creamy texture and mild flavor balance perfectly with the tart cranberries. If you can’t find brie, camembert or a mild goat cheese are good alternatives.
Dried cranberries: These add a nice sweet-tart burst. You can swap for dried cherries or raisins if cranberries aren’t available. Fresh cranberries are too tart and need cooking before use.
Spinach or kale: Adds a bit of earthiness and color. Spinach is milder; kale has a stronger flavor. You can leave it out if you prefer, though the filling will be less fresh.
Fresh herbs (rosemary and thyme): Fresh herbs brighten the flavor, but dried versions work too—just use less to avoid overpowering the dish.
How Can You Stuff and Cook Chicken without Losing the Filling?
Stuffing chicken breasts can be tricky because the filling might spill out while cooking. Here’s how to keep it all inside:
- Use a sharp knife to make a deep pocket, but don’t cut all the way through.
- Don’t overfill the pocket—leave some room to fold or close.
- Secure the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the filling in place while cooking.
- When searing, be gentle and cook on medium heat to form a seal before baking.
- Transfer the skillet carefully to the oven or use an oven-safe pan so you don’t lose heat or risk spilling.
These steps help you get that satisfying, melty center without losing any of the tasty filling outside the chicken.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven-safe skillet – Perfect for searing chicken on the stove and finishing it in the oven without extra dishes.
- Sharp chef’s knife – Makes cutting the pocket in chicken breasts easier and safer.
- Cutting board – A sturdy surface for prepping chicken and chopping ingredients.
- Toothpicks – Useful for securely closing stuffed chicken pockets so the filling doesn’t spill out.
- Meat thermometer – Helps you check that the chicken is cooked safely without drying it out.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap brie for cream cheese mixed with feta for a tangy twist that melts well inside.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and a nutty flavor contrast.
- Use fresh herbs like sage or basil instead of rosemary and thyme to change the herbal notes.
- Try diced apples or pears with the cranberries for a sweeter, fruitier filling perfect in fall.
Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz brie cheese, sliced or cut into small pieces
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Optional: ¼ cup white wine or chicken broth (for deglazing pan)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, 8 minutes to sear the chicken, and around 15-20 minutes to bake. Altogether, you should expect about 35-40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully cut a deep pocket into each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, but don’t cut all the way through. This will hold the filling inside.
2. Prepare and Stuff the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the brie pieces, dried cranberries, chopped spinach or kale, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stuff this mixture evenly into each chicken breast pocket. Use toothpicks to close the openings and keep the filling inside while cooking.
3. Sear and Bake the Chicken:
Heat olive oil and butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add chicken breasts and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Then transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature hits 165°F or 75°C).
4. Optional Sauce and Serving:
Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm. If you like, pour white wine or chicken broth into the pan to deglaze it, scraping up bits from the bottom. Let the liquid reduce for a few minutes, then drizzle the sauce over your chicken. Remove the toothpicks, slice, and serve immediately with sides of your choice.
This cranberry brie stuffed chicken is a flavorful and beautiful dish to enjoy any time, especially when you want to impress without the fuss!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight before stuffing and cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and easier cutting to make the pockets.
What Can I Substitute for Brie Cheese?
If you don’t have brie, cream cheese or camembert are great alternatives that melt well and provide a creamy texture. You could also try a mild goat cheese for a slightly tangier flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave to keep the cheese melted and chicken moist.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can stuff the chicken breasts and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Just cover well and cook as directed when ready. Avoid stuffing too far in advance to maintain freshness.
