If you’re looking to impress at your next dinner with a dish that balances gooey, savory, sweet, and tangy notes all at once, this Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe is exactly what your meal needs. Imagine tender chicken breasts bursting with creamy Brie and a luscious cranberry filling that sings with hints of orange and warm spices. It’s utterly delicious, surprisingly simple to prepare, and perfect for cozy nights or festive gatherings where you want to shine effortlessly in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building a perfectly balanced flavor profile and texture. From fresh cranberries adding vibrant tartness, to creamy Brie delivering richness, every component counts.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender and lean base for stuffing.
- Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to a beautiful golden crust.
- Fresh cranberries: Provide a lovely tartness and bright color.
- Honey: Adds a gentle sweetness that balances the tart cranberries.
- Orange juice: Enhances the fruity notes with natural citrus zing.
- Ground cinnamon and ginger: Deliver warm, aromatic spice for depth.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
- Brie cheese: Creamy and mildly tangy, it melts beautifully inside the chicken.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh herbal touch and cheerful green color.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Give a wonderful crispy topping when baked.
- Butter: Mixed with panko to create a golden, flavorful crust.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Make the Cranberry Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a medium saucepan and gently cook the cranberries until they soften and burst, about 5 minutes. Then stir in honey, orange juice, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens into a luscious sauce. This vibrant filling will be the star surprise inside your chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast, making sure not to slice all the way through. Stuff each pocket with chunks of Brie followed by a generous spoonful of the cooled cranberry mixture. Secure the openings with toothpicks to lock in all those delicious filling flavors during cooking.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear each stuffed chicken breast for 2 to 3 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and creates that irresistible golden-brown crust that makes your Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe shine both in taste and presentation.
Step 4: Add the Crispy Topping
Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter for a perfectly crisp topping. Spread this mixture evenly over the seared chicken breasts, preparing them for their time in the oven where that crunchy texture will develop beautifully.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Let the chicken bake for 20 to 25 minutes until it’s cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This step finishes the cooking and melds all flavors together into a stunning final dish.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes once out of the oven—this keeps it juicy and lets the stuffing set perfectly. Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley on top to add a fresh pop of color and a hint of brightness that complements every bite.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple and fresh by sprinkling chopped parsley or even a few additional fresh cranberries on top. A light drizzle of extra orange juice reduction or a touch of honey can add a beautiful glaze and an extra dimension of sweetness to the plate.
Side Dishes
This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted vegetables. A crisp green salad or steamed asparagus can add a refreshing balance to the richness of the dish, making your meal satisfying without feeling heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the chicken breasts into thick medallions to reveal the stunning cranberry and Brie center, then fan them out on the plate for a restaurant-quality look. For a festive twist, serve on a bed of wild rice or quinoa mixed with toasted nuts and dried cranberries to echo the flavors inside the chicken.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the meal, simply store any leftover Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making for an easy and impressive next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dish ahead, freeze the uncooked stuffed chicken breasts wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to use, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then proceed with searing, breadcrumb topping, and baking as usual for best results.
Reheating
To keep the chicken moist and the cheese melty, reheat leftovers gently in a low oven (around 300°F / 150°C) until warmed through. This avoids drying out the chicken and preserves the delightful flavors of this Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries in this Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe?
Yes, frozen cranberries work just fine. Just be sure to thaw them slightly before cooking, so they break down nicely during the simmering step.
What can I substitute for Brie cheese?
If Brie isn’t your favorite or you can’t find it, cream cheese or Camembert can be excellent alternatives that provide similar creaminess and melt beautifully.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this recipe is not spicy. The warmth comes from cinnamon and ginger, which add gentle aromatic notes rather than heat, making it suitable for all taste preferences.
Can I prepare this recipe for more people?
Absolutely! Simply multiply the ingredients accordingly and make sure you have a large enough skillet or use multiple pans for searing and baking.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is safe to eat and juicy.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feel fancy but are so doable at home. The harmony of flavors and pleasing textures truly makes it a showstopper on any table. I can’t wait for you to try it out and share how it brightens your mealtime—you’re going to love it!
Print
Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is a delicious and elegant dish featuring tender chicken breasts filled with creamy Brie cheese and a sweet-tart cranberry sauce. The chicken is seared to a golden brown and finished in the oven with a buttery panko breadcrumb topping, delivering a flavorful, juicy main course perfect for special occasions or a refined weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Filling
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Topping
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare cranberry sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the fresh cranberries and cook until they soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in honey, orange juice, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking the mixture for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Stuff chicken breasts: Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Fill each pocket with Brie cheese pieces and a generous amount of the cooled cranberry sauce mixture. Secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. This step seals in the juices and creates a flavorful exterior.
- Add breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of each seared chicken breast to create a crispy, buttery crust when baked.
- Bake in the oven: Transfer the skillet with the chicken to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm for a memorable meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken pocket is secure with toothpicks to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Fresh cranberries provide the best tart flavor, but frozen cranberries can be used if fresh are unavailable.
- If Brie rind is preferred, it can be left on; it softens during cooking.
- This dish pairs well with simple sides like roasted vegetables or a green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
