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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Secure Chicken: Use toothpicks to close each chicken breast pocket and keep the stuffing securely inside during cooking.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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
