Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken

Introduction

Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken is a delightful, elegant dish that combines savory chicken with the rich, creamy goodness of Brie and the sweet-tart burst of cranberries. This dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, with the tender, juicy chicken breasts stuffed with melted Brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce. It’s a dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious, making it perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or a cozy weeknight dinner. The combination of cranberry and Brie brings a touch of sweetness and sophistication, sure to impress anyone at the table.

I remember the first time I made this dish for a holiday gathering. The moment I sliced into the chicken and saw the melted Brie and cranberry sauce oozing out, everyone’s eyes lit up. The blend of sweet and savory flavors was a huge hit, and it quickly became a favorite. Whether serving it for a special occasion or a cozy dinner, this dish is always sure to wow the crowd!

Perfect for:

• Holiday dinners
• Special occasions
• Cozy weeknight meals
• Chicken lovers
• Entertaining guests

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken is a must-try:

• Flavorful Filling: The melted Brie cheese combined with the sweet and tart cranberries creates a rich and satisfying filling.
• Elegant Presentation: Stuffed chicken breasts make for a beautiful, restaurant-worthy dish that will impress your guests.
• Easy to Make: Despite its elegant appearance, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare and cook.
• Savory and Sweet: The combination of savory chicken with the sweet cranberry filling is a perfect balance of flavors.
• Versatile: This recipe can be served with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup cranberry sauce (preferably homemade or low-sugar)
• 4 oz Brie cheese, cut into small pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Ingredient Highlights

• Brie Cheese: Provides a rich, creamy texture and a subtle, mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the cranberries.
• Cranberry Sauce: Offers a sweet-tart contrast to the savory chicken, making for a delicious and refreshing filling.
• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender, the chicken serves as the perfect vessel for the flavorful stuffing.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps to sear the chicken to golden perfection.
• Thyme and Garlic Powder: These seasonings enhance the flavors of the chicken and stuffing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound the chicken to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and is easier to stuff.
3. Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, and season them with salt, pepper, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.

Stuff the Chicken:

4. Stuff the Chicken: Create a pocket in each chicken breast by cutting horizontally through the thickest part of the breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Stuff each pocket with a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce and several pieces of Brie cheese. Press the edges of the chicken closed to seal the filling inside.

Cook the Chicken:

5. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Once hot, sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
6. Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). The Brie should be melted and the cranberry sauce warmed through.

Serve:

7. Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into rounds to serve.
8. Serve and Garnish: Serve the stuffed chicken with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

How to Serve

Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken can be served in various ways:

• With Roasted Vegetables: Pair the chicken with roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes for a comforting, well-rounded meal.
• With Mashed Potatoes: The creamy mashed potatoes provide a perfect balance to the rich chicken and stuffing.
• On a Salad: Slice the chicken and serve it on top of a bed of mixed greens for a lighter option.
• With Rice Pilaf: The cranberry and Brie flavors pair beautifully with a fluffy rice pilaf for an elevated side dish.
• With a Drizzle of Gravy: Pour a light, savory gravy over the chicken for added richness.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken turns out perfectly:

• Use Fresh Brie: Fresh Brie will melt more evenly and create a smoother filling.
• Seal the Chicken Well: Be sure to seal the chicken pockets tightly to avoid the filling spilling out during cooking.
• Rest the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing helps retain its juices and keeps it tender.
• Use Homemade Cranberry Sauce: Homemade cranberry sauce will give the dish a fresher, more flavorful taste compared to store-bought options.
• Ensure Chicken is Cooked Through: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

Recipe Variations

Here are 5 variations you can try for Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken:

• Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken: Replace the cranberry sauce with finely chopped apples and a bit of cinnamon for a fall-inspired filling.
• Spinach and Brie Stuffed Chicken: Add sautéed spinach to the Brie and cranberry mixture for a savory, leafy addition.
• Walnut-Cranberry Stuffed Chicken: Add chopped walnuts to the cranberry stuffing for an added crunch and depth of flavor.
• Pecan-Cranberry Stuffed Chicken: Substitute pecans for walnuts to create a nutty twist that complements the cranberries.
• Cranberry and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken: Swap the Brie cheese for tangy goat cheese for a different, but equally delicious, stuffed chicken option.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the stuffed chicken breasts before cooking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then proceed with searing and baking as directed.
• Storage: Leftover stuffed chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain the texture of the filling.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken easier:

• Meat Mallet: Helps to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
• Oven-Safe Skillet: An oven-safe skillet is ideal for both searing and baking the stuffed chicken.
• Instant-Read Thermometer: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken for perfect doneness.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use other cheeses?
   Yes! You can swap Brie for goat cheese, cream cheese, or even a mild mozzarella if preferred.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can stuff and sear the chicken breasts, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, chicken thighs work well for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook.
4. What should I do if the chicken isn’t cooked through?
   If the chicken isn’t cooked through after baking, return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking the internal temperature.
5. Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
   Yes, cooked stuffed chicken can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

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Conclusion

Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken is a wonderfully flavorful and impressive dish that brings together savory, sweet, and creamy elements in every bite. Whether for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. With its tender chicken, melted Brie, and vibrant cranberry filling, it’s a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

This recipe is easy to prepare yet feels luxurious, making it perfect for everything from family dinners to festive gatherings. The juicy chicken, complemented by the richness of Brie and the tangy sweetness of cranberries, creates a delightful harmony of flavors that will impress every guest at your table.

I’d love to see how your Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me so I can admire your delicious creation. Happy cooking!