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
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: 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.
