Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken How to Make in 5 Steps

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Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken transforms an ordinary weeknight into a gourmet dining experience that rivals any upscale restaurant. Picture this: tender, juicy chicken breasts filled with creamy, melted Brie cheese and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, creating the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.

This holiday stuffed chicken recipe became my go-to when I needed to impress dinner guests but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The first time I served this festive chicken dinner idea, my family thought I’d ordered takeout from a fancy bistro – little did they know it took me less than 45 minutes to create this masterpiece!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy stuffed chicken breast recipe has become my secret weapon for both casual family dinners and special occasions. The combination of rich, creamy Brie and tangy cranberry sauce creates an explosion of flavors that perfectly captures the essence of holiday dining. What I love most about this gourmet chicken recipe is how it looks incredibly sophisticated yet requires minimal prep work – you’ll feel like a professional chef without the stress.

The beauty of this cranberry chicken breast recipe lies in its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a romantic meal for two, or simply wanting to elevate your Tuesday night dinner, this dish delivers every time. The stuffing stays perfectly contained within the chicken, creating beautiful presentation slices that never fail to impress. Explore more elegant dinner recipes here to complete your gourmet meal planning.

Ingredients List

Ingredient Category	Item	Amount
For the Chicken	Boneless, skinless chicken breasts	4 pieces
	Cranberry sauce (preferably homemade or low-sugar)	½ cup
	Brie cheese, cut into small pieces	4 oz
	Olive oil	1 tablespoon
	Salt and pepper	To taste
For the Seasoning	Dried thyme	1 teaspoon
	Garlic powder	1 teaspoon
	Onion powder	1 teaspoon

This brie cheese stuffed chicken recipe uses simple, quality ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. The key is using good-quality Brie – don’t remove the rind, as it adds extra flavor and helps the cheese melt beautifully inside the chicken. Find more satisfying lunch ideas here if you’re looking to use any leftover ingredients in creative ways.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife, create a horizontal pocket in each chicken breast by cutting about ¾ of the way through the thickest part. Be careful not to cut completely through – you want to create a pocket that can hold your stuffing. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step 2: Create the Stuffing
In a small bowl, gently mix the cranberry sauce with small pieces of Brie cheese. The mixture should be chunky and well-combined but not overly mashed. This cranberry and brie combination will create the perfect flavor balance inside your chicken.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
Carefully spoon the cranberry-brie mixture into each chicken breast pocket, dividing it evenly among the four breasts. Don’t overstuff – you want the pocket to close naturally. Secure the opening with toothpicks to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.

Step 4: Sear and Bake
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This creates a beautiful crust and locks in the juices. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven.

Step 5: Finish Cooking
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before removing toothpicks and slicing.

Exact Timing to make Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Searing Time: 6-8 minutes
Baking Time: 18-22 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 44-50 minutes

This timing ensures your Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken is perfectly cooked with juicy meat and melted, flavorful filling. The key is not rushing the searing process, as this develops the golden crust that makes this dish restaurant-quality.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Component	Per Serving (1 stuffed breast)	% Daily Value
Calories	385	19%
Total Fat	18g	23%
Saturated Fat	8g	40%
Cholesterol	125mg	42%
Sodium	420mg	18%
Total Carbohydrates	12g	4%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	10g	–
Protein	42g	84%
Vitamin A	280 IU	6%
Calcium	120mg	12%
Iron	1.2mg	7%

This nutritional profile shows that Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality protein while providing moderate amounts of healthy fats from the Brie cheese. The cranberry sauce contributes natural antioxidants and vitamin C, making this dish both indulgent and nutritionally beneficial.

Healthier Alternatives

Original Ingredient	Healthier Alternative	Benefit
Regular Brie cheese	Light Brie or reduced-fat cream cheese with herbs	Reduces saturated fat by 40% while maintaining creamy texture
Cranberry sauce with sugar	Fresh cranberries with honey or stevia	Cuts added sugars by 60% and increases fiber content
Olive oil for searing	Avocado oil spray	Reduces total calories by 80 per serving
Regular chicken breast	Organic, free-range chicken breast	Higher omega-3 fatty acids and no antibiotics
Traditional stuffing	Add chopped spinach and walnuts	Increases iron, folate, and healthy fats

These modifications allow you to enjoy Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken while supporting various dietary goals. For those following keto diets, skip the cranberry sauce and double the Brie. Dairy-free versions can substitute the Brie with cashew-based cheese alternatives. Explore more delicious desserts here to complete your healthy meal planning with satisfying sweet treats.

Serving Suggestions

Elegant Side Pairings
Complement your Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken with roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in balsamic glaze, or creamy garlic mashed potatoes that soak up the delicious pan juices. Wild rice pilaf with toasted almonds adds texture and nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the cranberry-brie flavors.

Wine and Sauce Combinations
A crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir enhances the rich, creamy elements of this dish perfectly. For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle the plated chicken with a simple pan sauce made from the cooking juices, white wine, and a touch of Dijon mustard.

Presentation Tips
Slice the stuffed chicken diagonally to showcase the beautiful filling, and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and a few whole cranberries for a restaurant-quality presentation that impresses every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overstuffing the Chicken
The most common error when making Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken is cramming too much filling into the pocket. This causes the stuffing to leak out during cooking and can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly. Use just 2-3 tablespoons of filling per breast for optimal results.

Skipping the Resting Period
Cutting into the chicken immediately after cooking causes all the juices to run out, resulting in dry meat. Always let your stuffed chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking – this allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

Not Using a Meat Thermometer
Guessing when stuffed chicken is done often leads to overcooked, dry results. Always use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures food safety while maintaining the perfect texture.

Storing Tips

Refrigerator Storage
Store leftover Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Allow the chicken to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation that can make the coating soggy. When reheating, use gentle heat in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes to maintain moisture.

Freezing Guidelines
This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months when properly wrapped. Cool completely, then wrap individual portions in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure even warming throughout.

Make-Ahead Strategy
You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator before cooking. This actually improves the flavor as the seasonings have time to penetrate the meat, making your dinner prep incredibly convenient for entertaining.

FAQs

How do I prevent Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken from drying out during cooking?

The key to juicy Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken is not overcooking and using the searing method. Sear the chicken first to lock in juices, then finish in the oven at 375°F. Always use a meat thermometer and remove from heat as soon as it reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Can I make Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken ahead of time for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can stuff and season the Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken up to 24 hours before cooking. Store covered in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking. This actually enhances the flavors as the seasonings have time to penetrate the meat.

What’s the best way to cut the pocket in Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken without cutting through?

For perfect Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken pockets, use a sharp paring knife and cut horizontally into the thickest part of the breast. Cut about ¾ of the way through, keeping your knife parallel to the cutting board. Work slowly and check your progress to avoid cutting completely through.

How can I tell when my Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way to ensure your Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken is properly cooked is using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat (not the stuffing). It should read 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear, and the meat should feel firm but not hard when gently pressed.