Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Breasts offer a festive and elegant meal that combines tender, juicy chicken with creamy Brie cheese and tangy dried cranberries. This recipe is quick to prepare yet impressive, perfect for holiday dinners or cozy weeknight meals. The harmonious blend of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors is enhanced with fresh herbs and a golden sear, delivering a deliciously comforting dish that suits a variety of occasions.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 4 thick boneless chicken breasts
- 4 oz Brie cheese, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Additions
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (toasted)
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
- Pinch of red chili flakes (for a spicy kick)
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket perfect for stuffing.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine chunks of creamy Brie cheese with dried cranberries and your choice of fresh herbs, mixing gently to blend the flavors.
- Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the Brie and cranberry mixture into each chicken breast pocket. If using, add toasted nuts or chili flakes to the filling. Secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the filling intact during cooking.
- Season and Sear: Generously season the outside of the stuffed chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish or oven-safe pan and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the Brie is melted inside.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices and maintain moistness.
Notes
- Trim any excess fat or tendons from the chicken breasts to ensure even cooking.
- Do not overstuff the chicken pockets as this can cause tearing and leaking during cooking.
- Use toothpicks to securely close the pockets and prevent cheese from leaking out.
- Allow the chicken to rest after baking to retain juiciness.
- Choose a ripe, soft Brie for the best melt and flavor combination with cranberries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken, Stuffed Chicken Breasts, Holiday Chicken Recipe, Festive Dinner, Easy Elegant Meal, Gluten Free Chicken Dish