5-Ingredient Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken

Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is the kind of dinner that feels incredibly fancy but is secretly simple to make. Imagine a juicy, golden-brown chicken breast, hiding a surprise pocket of melted, creamy brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce.

With every slice, the gorgeous, gooey filling spills out, creating a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. It’s the perfect recipe to turn an ordinary weeknight into something special or to impress guests without any stress.

INTRODUCTION

Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken has been my go-to “fancy” dinner for years. I first made it for a date night at home, and let’s just say it was a roaring success. The combination of savory chicken, rich cheese, and vibrant cranberry is simply magical.

What I love most is how it looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but the active prep time is just minutes. This dish is a celebration of flavors and textures that come together to create a truly unforgettable meal.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will be completely obsessed with this cranberry brie stuffed chicken for so many reasons.

• First of all, it uses just a handful of ingredients, many of which you might already have on hand.
• Secondly, the process is straightforward and fun, making you feel like a gourmet chef.
• Furthermore, it’s incredibly elegant and perfect for holidays or date nights.
• Perhaps best of all, the entire meal comes together in one pan, which means cleanup is an absolute breeze.

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HOW TO MAKE CRANBERRY BRIE STUFFED CHICKEN

Ingredients:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 ounces brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small slices
• 1/4 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional for garnish: Fresh thyme sprigs

Directions:

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels.

Create the Pocket: Carefully slice a deep pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. You are creating a little pouch for the filling.

Season the Chicken: Season the outside of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then, gently season the inside of the pocket as well.

Stuff the Chicken: Stuff each chicken pocket with slices of brie cheese. Then, carefully spoon the cranberry sauce over the brie inside the pocket. Use a toothpick to secure the opening if needed.

Sear to Perfection: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes on one side, without moving them, until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms.

Bake to Finish: Flip the chicken breasts over and immediately transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest in the pan for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

IS A NUTRITION HERO

This dish is a wonderfully balanced meal. Chicken breast is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and keeping you full. Meanwhile, cranberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C. Using a high-quality brie provides a good dose of calcium, making this a dish that supports your overall health.

GREAT FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Cranberry brie stuffed chicken is an excellent choice for weight management. The high protein content from the chicken helps promote satiety, meaning you feel full and satisfied with a reasonable portion. The flavorful stuffing adds a decadent feel without the need for heavy, calorie-laden sauces, helping you enjoy a gourmet experience while staying on track.

HOW TO CHOOSE AND STORE

Selecting the right ingredients is key. Look for large, plump chicken breasts that are similar in size for even cooking. Choose a wedge of brie that feels soft to the touch, indicating it’s ripe and perfect for melting. For the cranberry sauce, a good-quality whole-berry sauce provides the best texture and flavor. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

HOW TO SERVE CRANBERRY BRIE STUFFED CHICKEN

This cranberry brie stuffed chicken is a complete meal on a plate! It pairs beautifully with simple sides that won’t compete with its elegant flavor. I love serving it with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a simple arugula salad with a light lemon vinaigrette. The pan juices are also delicious drizzled over the chicken and sides.

HOW TO STORE CRANBERRY BRIE STUFFED CHICKEN

Store any leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 325°F oven until warmed through to help maintain the texture of the chicken and prevent the cheese from separating. I do not recommend freezing this dish, as the texture of the cheese and chicken can become watery and grainy upon thawing.

TIPS TO MAKE THE BEST STUFFED CHICKEN

• Even Thickness: For the most even cooking, place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound the thicker end with a rolling pin or meat mallet until the breast is a uniform thickness.
• Don’t Overstuff: Be generous but careful with the filling. Overstuffing can cause the pocket to burst open during cooking. If it does, just secure it with a toothpick.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the most reliable way to know when your chicken is perfectly cooked. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the stuffing, and look for 165°F (74°C).

TIPS AND NOTES: YOUR KITCHEN COMPANION

Details

An oven-safe skillet is crucial for this cranberry brie stuffed chicken recipe, as it allows you to go from the stovetop to the oven seamlessly. If you don’t have one, you can sear the chicken in a regular skillet and then transfer it to a baking dish for the oven portion.

Variation

For a Prosciutto-Wrapped variation, simply wrap each stuffed chicken breast with a slice or two of prosciutto before searing. The salty, crisp prosciutto adds another incredible layer of flavor and texture.

Notes

The brie rind is edible, but for the creamiest melted texture inside the chicken, I prefer to remove it before stuffing. Let the chicken rest after baking; this is a non-negotiable step for juicy meat!

CRANBERRY BRIE STUFFED CHICKEN FAQs

Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you can! Goat cheese or camembert would be excellent substitutes for the brie. A mild gouda or mozzarella would also work, though the flavor profile will be different.

What if I don’t have whole-berry cranberry sauce?
Jellied cranberry sauce will work in a pinch, though the textural pop of the whole berries is preferred. You can also use a tablespoon of high-quality cranberry jam.

My cheese is leaking out. What did I do wrong?
A little leakage is normal and totally okay! It just means your pocket might have been cut a little too wide. The leaked cheese and cranberry will create a delicious glaze in the pan. Simply use a toothpick to secure the opening more firmly next time.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Make Dinner Fancy

I hope this recipe for cranberry brie stuffed chicken brings a touch of elegance and a whole lot of flavor to your table. It’s a beautiful reminder that you don’t need complicated techniques to create a truly spectacular meal. So, grab that skillet and get ready to fall in love with dinner all over again.