Delicious Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken – A Simple and Stunning Dinner Recipe
Hello, my fellow food lovers! Are you ready to impress your family or guests with an elegant yet surprisingly easy meal? I’m thrilled to share this delightful recipe for Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken. It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet, with a creamy brie filling that melts beautifully in each bite. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this one again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines the heartiness of chicken breast with the luxurious flavors of brie cheese and cranberries. Isn’t that the best of both worlds? You can serve it with your favorite sides and watch your loved ones savor every slice. Plus, this recipe comes together in no time, so let’s dive right in!
Nutritional Benefits
Now, let’s chat about some of the great things you’re adding to your plate with this dish:
- Chicken Breast: A fantastic source of lean protein that helps build muscle and keeps you full.
- Cranberries: Packed with antioxidants, cranberries are great for heart health. They also add a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory cheese.
- Brie Cheese: While rich, it’s also filled with calcium and protein—just moderation is key!
- Pecans or Walnuts: If you choose to add nuts, they provide healthy fats and a satisfying crunch.
Fun Variations to Try
One of the best aspects of this recipe is how flexible it is! Here are some fun variations you might consider:
- Make it Spinach and Cheese: Swap cranberries for fresh spinach and use goat cheese instead of brie for a different flavor profile.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate some chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, into your cheese mixture for an herbal twist.
- Swap Chicken for Turkey: This recipe works beautifully with turkey breast, especially around the holidays.
Easy Recipe for Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup brie cheese, rind removed and chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
- Fresh cranberries for garnish (optional)
Serves 2–3 people
Standard portions → 2 servings
Slightly smaller portions → up to 3 servings
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your chicken cooks evenly and quickly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brie cheese, cranberries, and chopped pecans (if using). Stir in honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. This rich mixture will be the star of this dish!
- Now, let’s prepare the chicken. Take each chicken breast and make a horizontal incision along the thicker side, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through—this is where your yummy filling will go!
- Stuff each chicken breast with the cranberry and brie mixture, securing the opening with toothpicks or by carefully tying with kitchen twine if you like. The stuffing is so good, you don’t want it escaping!
- Next, season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. This not only adds flavor but helps to crisp up the skin.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown. This step adds a lovely color!
- After searing, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices in.
- To serve, plate the stuffed chicken with fresh cranberries and garnish with thyme leaves. Your dish will look as beautiful as it tastes!
Practical Tips for Success
- If you have leftover stuffing mix, consider using it as a topping for a salad or mixing it into a warm grain dish!
- After cooking, if you prefer extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes—but keep an eye on it!
- Store any leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Equipment Needed
Here’s a quick list of the gear you’ll need for this delicious recipe:
- A sharp knife for cutting the chicken
- A mixing bowl for preparing the stuffing
- A large oven-safe skillet for cooking
- Kitchen twine or toothpicks to secure the chicken (optional)
- A meat thermometer to check doneness
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different kind of cheese? Absolutely! Cream cheese or goat cheese can offer a fabulous twist.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prep the chicken and stuffing a few hours before serving, then just bake when you’re ready!
- How do I know when the chicken is done cooking? Use a meat thermometer – it should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken.
- What should I serve with it? Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a light salad pair beautifully!
- Can I freeze leftover chicken? Yes! Just ensure it’s wrapped tightly to avoid freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
I hope you enjoy making this Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken as much as I do! It’s a perfect dish for any occasion, and I would love to hear how it turns out for you. Share your cooking adventures with me on Pinterest, and let’s connect over our love for delicious food!
