I still remember the first time I prepared this Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken—the aroma that filled my kitchen was unforgettable. The combination of tender chicken breasts, creamy brie, and the slight tang of cranberries instantly transformed a simple dinner into something extraordinary. I love creating recipes that feel luxurious yet are surprisingly easy to prepare, and this dish has become one of my favorites for that reason.
You will love this recipe because it balances richness with freshness. The brie melts beautifully inside the chicken, creating a creamy center that contrasts perfectly with the slight sweetness of the cranberries. Each bite is comforting and indulgent without being overly heavy. Whether you are cooking for a family dinner, a weekend treat, or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe delivers elegance with minimal stress.
What makes this recipe even more appealing is its versatility. You can serve it with roasted vegetables, a light salad, or even a simple rice pilaf. It works well for both casual weeknight meals and special occasions. Additionally, the ingredients are easy to find and budget-friendly, making it an affordable way to elevate your dinner table.
Ingredients:
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
4 oz brie cheese, cut into small wedges
-
½ cup cranberry sauce (fresh or store-bought)
-
4 slices turkey bacon
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon onion powder
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
Fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) for garnish
This recipe is simple enough for beginner cooks yet impressive enough for seasoned chefs. Its rich flavors, ease of preparation, and adaptability make it a must-try in my kitchen.
How to Prepare This Recipe
Preparing Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is easier than it looks, and the results are always impressive. By following each step carefully, you’ll create a dish that’s both elegant and full of flavor. This recipe is designed to be quick, easy, and customizable, making it a favorite for many home cooks.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure the oven rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
-
Prepare the chicken breasts by gently slicing a pocket into each one. Use a sharp knife and cut horizontally, being careful not to slice all the way through. This pocket will hold the brie and cranberry filling.
-
Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed to enhance the flavor of the meat.
-
Stuff the chicken breasts by placing a wedge of brie cheese and about one tablespoon of cranberry sauce into each pocket. You can slightly overlap the ingredients if necessary, but avoid overfilling to prevent leakage during cooking.
-
Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with a slice of turkey bacon. This will help seal in the filling and add extra flavor. If needed, secure the bacon with toothpicks to keep it in place.
-
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear each side for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. This step locks in moisture and creates a beautiful color.
-
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy to ensure the chicken is fully cooked without drying out.
-
Rest the chicken for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat tender. Remove any toothpicks if used.
-
Garnish and serve with fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to add a fragrant touch. Serve alongside roasted vegetables, a salad, or a light grain dish for a complete meal.
Tips and Customization:
-
You can swap the cranberry sauce for apricot preserves or fig jam for a different sweet note.
-
Use different herbs in the stuffing, such as sage or tarragon, to add your personal touch.
-
For a lighter version, omit the turkey bacon and bake the chicken with a drizzle of olive oil instead.
-
This dish is popular at holiday dinners, family gatherings, and special occasions because it looks as stunning as it tastes.
With these steps, the Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken becomes an easy yet elegant dish that impresses without requiring hours in the kitchen. Its flavors are balanced, the texture is delightful, and the presentation is always stunning.
Print
Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is a delightful combination of tender chicken, creamy brie, and sweet-tart cranberries. Wrapped in savory turkey bacon, it’s an elegant yet easy-to-make dish perfect for any occasion.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into small wedges
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (fresh or store-bought)
- 4 slices turkey bacon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary) for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the center.
- Slice a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through.
- Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Stuff each chicken breast with a wedge of brie cheese and one tablespoon of cranberry sauce. Avoid overfilling.
- Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with a slice of turkey bacon. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks if used.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with your choice of sides.
Notes
Swap cranberry sauce with apricot preserves or fig jam for variation.
Try different herbs like sage or tarragon for a personalized flavor.
For a lighter version, omit turkey bacon and drizzle olive oil instead.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
FAQs
Q1: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Cook them just before serving for the best results.
Q2: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
Absolutely. If using frozen cranberries, cook them first with a little sugar and water until they soften and form a sauce-like consistency. Then use this mixture as the filling for the chicken.
Q3: Can I substitute brie with another cheese?
Yes. Creamy cheeses such as Camembert, fontina, or mozzarella can be used as alternatives. Brie, however, provides a rich, slightly tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with cranberries.
Q4: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Searing the chicken before baking helps lock in moisture. Additionally, do not overcook; use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Resting the chicken after baking also ensures juicy meat.
Q5: Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Yes. Despite its elegant appearance, this recipe is quick and easy enough for weeknight meals. It takes roughly 35–40 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time.
Q6: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute brie with a plant-based creamy cheese alternative. The flavor will be slightly different, but the texture and presentation will remain appealing.