Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is a lovely dish that blends tender chicken breasts with creamy, melty Brie cheese and a sweet-tart cranberry filling. The flavors come together in a way that’s both comforting and a little bit fancy, making it perfect for a special dinner or when you want to impress without too much fuss.
I really enjoy making this recipe because it’s simple but feels like a treat. Stuffing the chicken with Brie and cranberry is such a fun twist, and I love how the cheese melts beautifully, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful. It’s one of those meals where the steps are quick, but the outcome makes everyone say, “Wow!”
My favorite way to serve this is alongside a fresh green salad or some roasted veggies to balance out the richness. I also like to have some crusty bread ready to soak up any juices from the chicken. It’s a lovely meal for a cozy evening at home or a small gathering, and I bet you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken breasts
- These are the main part of the dish. Choose evenly sized breasts for even cooking. If you don’t have breasts, thick-cut chicken thighs work but adjust cooking time slightly.
- Brie cheese
- This soft cheese melts beautifully and adds creaminess. If you want a milder or more affordable option, try Camembert or a good mozzarella.
- Dried cranberries
- They give a nice sweet-tart contrast. If unavailable, dried cherries or blueberries work well, or even a bit of cranberry sauce.
- Spinach
- Optional but adds color and freshness inside the filling. Baby kale or Swiss chard can be used instead.
- Herbs (rosemary and thyme)
- Fresh rosemary offers a woodsy flavor that pairs great with chicken and cranberries. If fresh isn’t handy, dried will do, though use less to avoid overpowering.
How to Cut a Perfect Pocket in Chicken Breasts Without Tearing?
Making a good pocket for stuffing might seem tricky, but a careful cut makes all the difference.
- Place the chicken breast flat on a board, hold it steady.
- Use a sharp knife and gently slice horizontally into the thickest part, not all the way through.
- Cut slowly and stop before you reach the other side.
- Open it like a book; you want enough space to add the filling without breaking the sides.
- If the edges tear slightly, press them back together with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the filling.
Taking your time here helps keep the cheese and cranberries inside while cooking, so nothing spills out.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven-safe skillet – perfect for searing the chicken and finishing it in the oven without extra dishes.
- Sharp chef’s knife – helps you carefully cut a pocket in the chicken breasts without tearing.
- Cutting board – provides a clean, stable surface for prepping the chicken.
- Tongs – easy to turn the chicken while searing without piercing the meat and losing juices.
- Meat thermometer – ensures your chicken is cooked safely to 165°F without drying out.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap brie for goat cheese – gives a tangier creaminess that pairs well with tart cranberries.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts inside for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Replace dried cranberries with chopped fresh apples or pears for a fresh, fruity twist.
- Mix in fresh sage or thyme instead of rosemary for a different herbal note.
Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz Brie cheese, sliced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup fresh spinach (optional, chopped)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (plus sprigs for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chicken broth or white wine (for deglazing)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Time Needed to Make This Dish
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and about 25 minutes for cooking, including searing the chicken and baking it in the oven. Altogether, expect around 35 minutes before you can enjoy your delicious meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Season the Chicken:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to slice through completely. Season both the inside and outside of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, chopped rosemary, thyme (if using), and half of the minced garlic.
2. Stuff and Sear the Chicken:
Fill each pocket with slices of Brie cheese, dried cranberries, and chopped spinach if you like. Press the openings shut gently to keep the filling inside. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are nice and golden brown.
3. Bake and Make the Sauce:
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake the chicken for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken and keep it warm. Place the skillet back on the stove over medium heat, add butter, the remaining garlic, and chicken broth or white wine. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to make a tasty sauce. Let it simmer and reduce for 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Serve Your Delicious Chicken:
Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts on your plate. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig for a lovely touch, and serve your Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken warm.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure the chicken breasts are fully thawed before cooking. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method by sealing the chicken in a bag and submerging it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
Can I Substitute Brie Cheese?
Absolutely! Soft cheeses like Camembert or goat cheese work well if you don’t have Brie. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly—goat cheese adds a tangier note, while Camembert is quite similar to Brie.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven or microwave to keep the cheese melty and the chicken moist.
What Are Good Side Dishes to Serve With This Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Crusty bread is also great for soaking up the flavorful sauce.