If you’re looking for a chicken recipe that’s both impressive and surprisingly simple, this cranberry brie stuffed chicken is your answer. It’s juicy, flavorful, and combines the richness of creamy brie with sweet-tart cranberry in every bite. Whether you’re planning a holiday dinner or just want something a little fancy for a weeknight, this dish delivers elegance without stress.
In this post, you’ll learn why this stuffed chicken is so popular, what ingredients you need, how to make it perfectly, and some smart variations. It’s a dish you’ll come back to, especially after you taste the gooey brie mingled with tangy cranberry.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
This dish is a total crowd-pleaser. First off, the presentation is stunning; golden chicken breasts, sliced to reveal a gooey, jewel-toned filling. But beyond the looks, the flavors are out of this world. The creamy brie melts beautifully inside, while the cranberry adds just the right amount of tart to balance things out.
What’s even better is how easy it is to pull together. With just a handful of ingredients, you get a restaurant-worthy meal without hours in the kitchen. It bakes in under 30 minutes and pairs well with simple sides like roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes.
If you’ve ever tried cranberry-apple twice baked sweet potatoes, this stuffed chicken gives off a similar sweet-savory harmony but with a bold protein-forward twist.
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Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
Juicy chicken breasts filled with creamy brie and sweet cranberry sauce, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for holidays or a cozy weeknight dinner.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 oz brie cheese, sliced
1/3 cup whole cranberry sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
Fresh thyme (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Butterfly each chicken breast and lay flat.
3. Add slices of brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce inside each.
4. Close the chicken and secure with toothpicks.
5. Brush with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
6. (Optional) Sear in a skillet for 2 minutes per side.
7. Transfer to oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until internal temp hits 165°F.
8. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Freeze brie for 10 minutes to make slicing easier.
Use homemade cranberry sauce for added flavor.
Secure well to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz brie cheese, sliced
- ⅓ cup whole cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh thyme (optional garnish)
Optional Add-ons:
- Chopped pecans for crunch
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking
- Fresh rosemary instead of thyme
Want to go homemade on the cranberry? Try this quick cranberry sauce recipe that’s naturally sweetened and perfect for stuffing.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
This method works best when the chicken is pounded evenly and seared before baking for extra color and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or skillet.
- Butterfly the Chicken: Use a sharp knife to slice the chicken breasts horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open like a book.
- Stuff: Layer brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce inside each piece. Secure with toothpicks.
- Season: Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sear (Optional but Recommended): In a hot oven-safe skillet, sear the stuffed chicken for 2 minutes per side.
- Bake: Transfer to oven (in skillet or baking dish) and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until cooked through and internal temp hits 165°F.
After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to keep juices locked in.
If you’re loving cozy skillet meals, you might also enjoy our creamy crack chicken gnocchi which delivers comfort in every spoonful.
Tips and Variations
Helpful Tips:
- Use thin chicken breasts or pound thick ones evenly to make stuffing easier.
- Freeze the brie for 10 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Toothpicks or butcher’s twine help hold everything together while baking.
Recipe Variations:
- Apple + Brie: Swap cranberry sauce with thinly sliced apples for a milder, buttery sweetness.
- Cranberry Goat Cheese: Sub brie with creamy goat cheese for a tangier flavor profile.
- Wrapped in Prosciutto: Wrap the stuffed breasts in prosciutto or bacon before baking for a salty, crisp finish.
For another dish that balances richness with sweet and savory, try the Baked Cranberry Brie Bites; they make a perfect holiday appetizer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them fully and pat dry before slicing and stuffing.
2. What kind of brie works best?
Triple-cream brie is soft and melts beautifully. You can leave the rind on or trim it; both ways taste great.
3. How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Secure the edges with toothpicks or tie with kitchen twine. Avoid overstuffing to reduce spillage.
4. Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble and store covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Perfect for meal prep or holidays.
Looking for more cozy dinner options? Don’t miss the rosemary apple cider chicken; it’s another sweet-meets-savory dish that’s just right for fall.
Conclusion
Cranberry brie stuffed chicken is one of those rare meals that looks and tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, but it’s surprisingly quick and simple. With its juicy chicken, melty brie, and a bright burst of cranberry, it’s holiday magic in a single bite. Whether you’re making dinner for two or cooking for a festive crowd, this dish is bound to impress.
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