If you’re looking for a dish that brings warmth, elegance, and a burst of flavor to your table, this Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine tender chicken breasts enveloping creamy, luxuriously melted brie, sweet and tangy dried cranberries, and vibrant spinach leaves—each bite is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s a recipe that’s as beautiful to serve as it is delightful to eat, making it ideal for weekday dinners or impressing guests on special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie Recipe lies in its simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component adds a special touch—vibrant spinach for freshness, brie cheese for creaminess, and dried cranberries for a little sweetness that brightens the dish.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The perfect protein canvas that’s tender and juicy when cooked properly.
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves: Adds a fresh, earthy flavor and bright green color.
- 4 oz brie cheese (rind removed and sliced): Provides a creamy, rich center that melts beautifully.
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries: Adds a subtle tart sweetness that balances the creamy brie.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken and ensuring a golden, flavorful crust.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Introduces a warm, savory note to the seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb that complements the chicken and filling with subtle earthiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing every flavor in the dish.
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine: Necessary tools to keep your stuffed chicken perfectly sealed while cooking.
How to Make Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gently butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally without cutting all the way through, then open them like a book. This creates a pocket ready to be filled with delicious ingredients. Season the inside of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme, setting the stage for a beautifully flavored filling.
Step 2: Assemble the Filling
Now for the fun part—layering! Inside each butterflied chicken breast, place a handful of fresh spinach leaves. Then add slices of creamy brie cheese, followed by a scattering of dried cranberries for that irresistible pop of sweetness. This combination makes every bite an enticing contrast of flavors and textures.
Step 3: Secure and Season
Fold the chicken breasts back over to close the filling and secure each with toothpicks or kitchen twine. This ensures all the goodies stay inside during cooking. Don’t forget to season the outside of the chicken as well, sprinkling a bit more salt and pepper for a tasty golden crust.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color. This step locks in flavor and adds a satisfying texture before baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake the chicken for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese inside has melted to creamy perfection. Remove the toothpicks or twine before serving and prepare to wow every palate at your table.
How to Serve Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few fresh spinach leaves on top adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that makes the dish feel even more inviting. For an extra festive touch, a drizzle of balsamic glaze offers a touch of sweetness and elegance.
Side Dishes
This stuffed chicken pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or a light quinoa salad for added texture and nutrition. Roasted root vegetables or a crisp green salad also make fantastic companions, helping balance the richness of the brie and the sweet cranberries.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the chicken breasts diagonally to reveal the colorful, decadent filling inside—this always makes for a stunning presentation. For a dinner party, serve on a large platter garnished with extra cranberries or toasted nuts, inviting guests to appreciate the dish’s irresistible charm before digging in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to remove any toothpicks or twine before storing to keep things tidy and easy to reheat.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked stuffed chicken breasts by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw thoroughly in the fridge before reheating to maintain that delightful texture and flavor.
Reheating
The best way to reheat this dish is in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. This gentle reheating method preserves the chicken’s juiciness and keeps the brie perfectly melted.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of brie?
Absolutely! Goat cheese or mozzarella are great alternatives that still provide a creamy texture, though they will bring slightly different flavors to the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
How can I add crunch to the stuffing?
Adding chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling before stuffing the chicken is a fantastic way to introduce a pleasant crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to sear and bake them, which helps save time on busy days.
What should I do if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, you can sear the chicken in a regular pan and then transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish to finish cooking in the oven.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie Recipe that makes me want to share it with every friend and family member. Its blend of creamy brie, fresh spinach, and tart cranberries wrapped in juicy chicken is just pure comfort wrapped in elegance. Give this recipe a try—you’ll soon find it becoming one of those beloved dishes you turn to time and again for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Print
Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and elegant Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie combines tender chicken breasts filled with fresh spinach, creamy brie cheese, and sweet dried cranberries. This flavorful gluten-free main course is perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions, featuring a beautiful balance of savory, creamy, and fruity tastes baked to perfection for juicy and mouthwatering results.
Ingredients
Chicken and Filling
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 4 oz brie cheese, rind removed and sliced
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
Seasoning and Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken later.
- Prepare Chicken Breasts: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally about halfway through so you can open it like a book. This creates a pocket for the stuffing.
- Season Inside: Season the inside of each butterfly chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme to infuse flavor.
- Stuff the Chicken: Layer fresh spinach leaves, sliced brie cheese, and dried cranberries evenly inside each chicken breast. Fold the chicken over to cover the filling and secure tightly using toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep everything inside during cooking.
- Season Outside: Sprinkle additional salt and pepper on the outside of each stuffed chicken breast for balanced seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. This locks in juices and adds flavor.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken to the preheated oven. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Serve: Carefully remove toothpicks or twine before serving. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by cranberry sauce or your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- You can substitute goat cheese or mozzarella cheese for a different flavor and texture.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the stuffing for extra crunch and texture.
- For a festive presentation, serve the chicken with a spoonful of cranberry sauce on the side.
