If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet with a creamy twist, you have to try the Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie Recipe. This delightful recipe takes tender chicken breasts and fills them with fresh spinach, succulent brie cheese, and tangy dried cranberries for a mouthwatering combination that feels both comforting and festive. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to impress your family with a rich, flavorful meal, this recipe offers a gorgeous presentation and layers of taste that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the creamy brie to the tart cranberries, every element enhances the dish in its own unique way.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: These serve as tender canvases for our flavorful filling.
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves: Adds a bright, earthy freshness and vibrant color inside the chicken.
- 4 oz brie cheese (rind removed and sliced): Brings a luxuriously creamy and slightly tangy flavor that melts beautifully.
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries: Offers a sweet and tart contrast that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sear the chicken, locking in juices and crisping the exterior.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle but essential depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a delicate herbal note that complements the chicken and filling.
- Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning both inside and out to bring all the flavors together.
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing: Keeps the stuffed chicken neatly closed during cooking.
How to Make Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the thickest part, opening it up like a book without cutting all the way through. Lightly season the inside with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme to build a foundation of flavor that will soak into every bite.
Step 2: Assemble the Filling
Next, layer fresh spinach leaves evenly inside each chicken breast, followed by beautifully sliced brie cheese and a scatter of juicy dried cranberries. This combination not only creates a stunning contrast in texture and taste but also fills your kitchen with such an inviting aroma that you’ll be eager to enjoy the final dish.
Step 3: Secure the Chicken
Fold the chicken breasts back over to enclose the filling, then fasten with toothpicks or kitchen twine to make sure everything stays intact during cooking. Before moving on, season the outside of each breast again with salt and pepper for that perfectly balanced seasoning throughout.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully sear each stuffed chicken breast for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step locks in moisture and adds a beautiful color contrast that makes the dish look as delicious as it tastes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet straight into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the brie inside has melted to creamy perfection. Once finished, remember to remove the toothpicks or twine before serving to avoid any surprises.
How to Serve Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh thyme or a few extra dried cranberries on top adds an elegant touch and a pop of color that really makes this dish shine. For a bit of crunch, consider a light dusting of toasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts.
Side Dishes
The best side dishes balance the richness of this stuffed chicken. Roasted root vegetables, such as carrots and sweet potatoes, complement the sweet cranberries beautifully, while a creamy mashed potato or fluffy wild rice rounds out the meal with comforting textures. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, slice the chicken breasts into medallions to show off the gorgeous stuffing layers inside. Arrange the slices on a platter with fresh herbs and cranberries scattered around for a festive and inviting presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (and who doesn’t love that?), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Because of the brie, it’s best enjoyed cold or gently reheated to maintain that creamy texture without drying out the chicken.
Freezing
This dish freezes quite well! Wrap individual stuffed and cooked chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in freezer-safe containers. They will keep for up to two months and can be easily thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken breasts in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through, to preserve the creamy brie without overcooking the chicken. You can also microwave on medium power, but be careful to avoid drying the meat.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of brie?
Absolutely! Goat cheese or mozzarella are great substitutes if you want to change things up or don’t have brie on hand. Each cheese will bring a slightly different flavor and texture but will still pair beautifully with the cranberries and spinach.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, the Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients, making it a great option for anyone avoiding gluten.
What is the best way to butterfly a chicken breast?
Use a sharp knife and carefully slice the chicken breast horizontally about halfway through. Then open it like a book, laying it flat to create a larger surface area for stuffing. This technique ensures even cooking and a perfect pocket for the filling.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?
You can definitely assemble the stuffed chicken breasts a few hours in advance and keep them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover them well and add the final searing and baking steps just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
What would be a good wine pairing with this dish?
Opt for a light to medium-bodied white wine with some acidity, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, which complements the creamy brie and tart cranberries wonderfully. A light Pinot Noir could also work if you prefer red.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie Recipe that makes every meal feel like a celebration. Its wonderful layers of flavor and beautiful presentation make it a favorite to cook over and over again. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it becomes one of your go-to dishes for family dinners or holiday gatherings!
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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
This Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie recipe combines tender chicken breasts filled with creamy brie, fresh spinach, and sweet dried cranberries, creating a delicious and elegant main dish ideal for festive occasions or a special family dinner. The chicken is first seared to lock in juices and then baked to perfection, delivering a flavorful and juicy meal with a delightful balance of savory and fruity notes.
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: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the chicken later.
- Prepare Chicken: Carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the middle, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through. Open the breast like a book to create a pocket for your filling.
- Season Inside: Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme evenly on the interior surfaces of each chicken breast to enhance flavor.
- Stuff Chicken: Layer fresh spinach leaves, slices of brie cheese, and dried cranberries inside the butterflied chicken breasts, distributing the filling equally.
- Secure Chicken: Fold the chicken over to enclose the stuffing and secure it using toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep everything tightly packed during cooking.
- Season Outside: Lightly season the exterior of each chicken breast with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken breasts for 18 to 20 minutes, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and carefully take out the toothpicks or twine before serving to ensure safety.
Notes
- You can substitute goat cheese or mozzarella for brie to vary the flavor and texture.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for extra crunch and a nutty element.
- For a festive touch, serve the chicken with a spoonful of cranberry sauce on the side.
