Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is an elegant and flavorful dish showcasing tender chicken breasts filled with creamy brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce. It’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in, delivering a wonderful balance of savory and sweet in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 ounces brie cheese, rind removed and cut into slices
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (for drizzling, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap, then gently pound to about 1/2 inch thickness. Carefully butterfly each breast by slicing horizontally without cutting all the way through.
- Step 2: Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and pepper. Spread about 1 tablespoon of cranberry sauce inside each, top with brie slices and sprinkle thyme leaves. Fold the chicken to enclose the filling and secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to the prepared baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs if using, and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and reaching 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Step 4: Let the chicken rest a few minutes after baking. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired, slice, and serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
Tips & Variations
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the stuffing for extra texture and flavor.
- Use goat cheese or cream cheese instead of brie for a different creamy taste.
- Try rosemary or sage in place of thyme to vary the herbal note.
Storage
Store leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving to keep the filling warm and melty.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts in advance and keep them refrigerated. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve for best results.
Can I freeze the stuffed chicken?
Absolutely. Wrap the uncooked stuffed chicken tightly and freeze. Thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
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Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is an elegant and flavorful dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts stuffed with creamy brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce, enhanced with fresh thyme and a golden breadcrumb crust. Perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners, this recipe balances savory and sweet flavors with a delightful texture.
Ingredients
Chicken and Stuffing
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 ounces brie cheese, rind removed and cut into slices
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (for drizzling, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. To prepare the chicken breasts, place each between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1/2 inch thick. Carefully butterfly each breast by slicing horizontally without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket for the stuffing.
- Stuff the Chicken: Season both sides and the inside of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of cranberry sauce inside each breast, then layer with slices of brie cheese and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves. Fold the chicken breasts over to enclose the filling and secure with toothpicks if desired to keep the stuffing in place.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. This step helps lock in juices and adds flavor.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish. If using, sprinkle the tops with breadcrumbs for added crunch. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired for a finishing touch. Slice the stuffed chicken breasts and serve warm alongside your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For added texture, incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans inside the stuffing.
- Try substituting brie with goat cheese or cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Experiment with herbs like rosemary or sage in place of thyme for variety.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
- You can prepare the stuffed chicken ahead of time and refrigerate before baking.
- Uncooked stuffed chicken can be frozen tightly wrapped; thaw completely before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken, stuffed chicken breast recipe, cranberry sauce chicken, brie cheese chicken, oven baked stuffed chicken, holiday chicken recipe
