Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s both elegant and bursting with flavors, this Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe is just the ticket. Tender chicken breasts are lovingly filled with a luscious mixture of creamy Brie, fresh basil, and a tangy-sweet cranberry sauce that adds a festive pop of color and zest. Every bite offers a delightful contrast between the savory, the creamy, and the fruity, making it a standout meal whether for a cozy weeknight or impressing guests during the holidays.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this cranberry brie stuffed chicken recipe is delightfully simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building its unique balance of taste and texture. From juicy chicken breasts to the zingy homemade cranberry sauce, everything comes together to create a dish that looks as good as it tastes.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas for stuffing; they cook evenly and stay tender.
• Fresh cranberries: Bring natural tartness and vibrant color to the sauce.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the cranberries with just the right amount of sweetness.
• Water: Helps the cranberry sauce reach the perfect consistency.
• Balsamic vinegar: Adds depth and a subtle tang to the cranberry sauce.
• Brie cheese, rind removed and cubed: Melts beautifully inside the chicken, delivering creamy richness.
• Fresh basil, chopped: Offers a fragrant herbal note that brightens the filling.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
• Olive oil: For a golden sear on the chicken before baking.
• Toothpicks or kitchen twine: To secure the stuffed chicken breasts during cooking.

How to Make Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready to finish cooking your stuffed chicken perfectly after searing.

Step 2: Prepare the Cranberry Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, sugar, water, and balsamic vinegar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens into a luscious, glossy spread — around 10 minutes. Then, remove it from heat and let it cool; this cooling step is crucial so it won’t melt the Brie too soon.

Step 3: Create Chicken Pockets

While the sauce cools, take each chicken breast and slice a pocket into the thickest side, careful not to cut all the way through. This pocket will house your divine stuffing and keep everything sealed inside as it cooks.

Step 4: Season the Chicken

Generously season both the inside and outside of each chicken breast with salt and pepper. This simple step elevates the chicken and brings out its natural flavors.

Step 5: Mix the Filling

In a bowl, combine the cooled cranberry sauce with cubed Brie and freshly chopped basil. This mixture is the star of the show — creamy, tangy, and aromatic.

Step 6: Stuff and Secure

Fill each chicken pocket with the cranberry and Brie mixture. To keep the filling snug and prevent it from escaping, secure the openings with toothpicks or tie them with kitchen twine. This ensures a neat and tidy presentation.

Step 7: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the stuffed breasts in the pan and sear each side for about 3 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step locks in the juices and starts the cooking process with a hit of delicious aroma.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the skillet straight into your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes until it’s fully cooked through and no longer pink inside. The cheese will melt gently, and the flavors will harmonize beautifully.

Step 9: Rest Before Serving

Once the chicken is out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite tender, juicy, and absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Brighten your plate by sprinkling freshly chopped basil or thyme leaves just before serving. A few whole cranberries placed elegantly around add a festive flair and a pop of red that complements the dish’s colors perfectly.

Side Dishes

This cranberry brie stuffed chicken recipe pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp mixed green salad, garlic roasted asparagus, or a creamy mashed potato. These sides soak up the luscious filling’s flavors and balance the dish beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Slice the stuffed chicken breasts diagonally to reveal the vibrant cranberry and melty Brie center. Serve each slice fanned out on the plate with a drizzle of the leftover cranberry sauce from cooking, and perhaps a sprig of basil on top for that wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep it chilled promptly to maintain its freshness and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to keep this dish longer, wrap the cooked, cooled chicken tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer. It can last up to 2 months frozen without losing much of its magic. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat the chicken gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you can, as this can dry out the tender chicken and affect the creamy Brie filling.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work well and are convenient. Just thaw them slightly before cooking to help the sauce come together smoothly.

What if I don’t have fresh basil?

Fresh basil adds a lovely herbal note, but if you don’t have any, dried basil or even fresh thyme can be a good substitute to keep those fresh green flavors alive.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, ensure the juices run clear and no pink remains inside.

Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the cranberry sauce and mix it with Brie and basil a day ahead, then stuff the chicken just before cooking. This saves time and enhances flavor melding.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free twist, you can swap Brie with a non-dairy cheese alternative that melts well, although the flavor will naturally be a bit different, the concept remains delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes you want to share with everyone you know because it’s truly a crowd-pleaser. The charming blend of tart cranberries, creamy Brie, and tender chicken makes each bite exciting and comforting all at once. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how effortlessly it becomes a new favorite in your rotation!

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