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
Scale
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.
