Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie Recipe

Introduction

This Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie offers a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors wrapped in juicy chicken breasts. It’s an elegant yet easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Two pieces of stuffed chicken breast sit on a bed of fresh green spinach leaves on a white plate. Each chicken piece has a golden-brown, pepper-speckled, glazed outer layer with a shiny texture. Inside, there are layers of melted pale yellow cheese and bright green wilted spinach. The chicken is topped and surrounded by dark red, glossy cranberries and bits of dried cranberries. A small sprig of fresh green rosemary rests on one piece. The plate lies on a white marbled surface, and the image is focused closely with rich color and detail. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 4 ounces brie cheese, sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and carefully cut a pocket into the side of each breast without slicing all the way through.
  3. Step 3: Season both the inside and outside of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.
  4. Step 4: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the spinach until wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, combine the sautéed spinach with the dried cranberries.
  6. Step 6: Stuff each chicken breast with equal portions of the spinach and cranberry mixture, then add slices of brie cheese on top of the filling.
  7. Step 7: Secure the openings of the chicken breasts with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
  8. Step 8: Heat the remaining olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  9. Step 9: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
  10. Step 10: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  11. Step 11: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a brighter flavor instead of dried thyme.
  • Swap dried cranberries for chopped apricots or figs for a different sweet twist.
  • If brie isn’t available, creamy goat cheese makes a great alternative filling.
  • Be careful not to overstuff the chicken pockets to prevent tearing during cooking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the chicken moist and the filling warm.

How to Serve

Two stuffed chicken breasts sit on a bed of fresh green spinach leaves on a white plate. Each chicken breast is cut in half, showing layers inside: a creamy white cheese layer, followed by a bright green spinach layer. The outside of the chicken is golden brown with a slightly crispy texture, sprinkled with cracked black pepper and herbs. On top and around the chicken are shiny, deep red cranberries and small bits of dried cranberries. A small green rosemary sprig garnishes one piece, and there is a light glaze of sauce around the chicken, adding a glossy look. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before cooking. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before searing and baking.

What can I serve with cranberry & spinach stuffed chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light quinoa salad to balance the rich flavors.

Print
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Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie Recipe


  • Author: Lila
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie recipe offers a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors. Tender chicken breasts are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of sautéed spinach, dried cranberries, and creamy brie cheese, then seared to a golden brown before baking to juicy perfection. With aromatic herbs and a rich broth-based finish, this dish is perfect for an elegant dinner or special occasion meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (divided)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Filling

  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 4 ounces brie cheese, sliced

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature by the time the chicken is ready for baking.
  2. Prepare Chicken Breasts: Place chicken breasts on a cutting board and carefully cut a pocket into the side of each breast without slicing all the way through, creating space for the stuffing.
  3. Season Chicken: Season the inside and outside of each chicken breast generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme to enhance flavor.
  4. Sauté Spinach: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the fresh spinach leaves until wilted. Remove from heat and let the spinach cool slightly to make handling easier.
  5. Mix Filling: In a small bowl, combine the sautéed spinach and dried cranberries to create the stuffing mixture that provides a sweet and savory contrast.
  6. Stuff Chicken: Spoon equal portions of the spinach and cranberry mixture into each chicken breast pocket. Top the filling inside each pocket with slices of brie cheese for a creamy, rich center.
  7. Secure Chicken: Use toothpicks to close each chicken breast pocket and keep the stuffing securely inside during cooking.
  8. Sear Chicken: Heat the remaining olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear each side for about 3 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust.
  9. Add Broth and Bake: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet around the chicken breasts. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  10. Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks before serving to ensure safe consumption and better presentation.

Notes

  • Be careful when cutting the chicken pocket to avoid slicing completely through the breast.
  • Make sure to secure the chicken breasts with toothpicks to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
  • Use an oven-safe skillet to go from stovetop searing to oven baking for convenience.
  • Let the chicken rest before serving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy meat.
  • Optional: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: stuffed chicken, cranberry chicken, spinach stuffed chicken, brie cheese chicken, baked chicken breast, holiday chicken recipe

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