This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken recipe promises a dinner that’s both elegant and incredibly comforting. Imagine tender chicken breasts, perfectly golden, encasing a creamy, molten brie cheese filling studded with tart cranberries and fresh herbs.
This delightful combination delivers an explosion of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite, transforming a simple meal into a memorable culinary experience. Preparing this exquisite Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken allows you to bring a touch of gourmet sophistication to your family table with surprisingly little effort.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
As Dominique, I understand the joy of sharing a truly special meal with loved ones. This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken recipe embodies that warmth and generosity, offering both ease and elegance. Here’s why it will quickly become a cherished family favorite:
- Unforgettable Flavor Profile: Experience a harmonious blend of creamy brie, tart cranberries, savory chicken, and aromatic herbs in every forkful. This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken elevates your dinner plate.
- Impressive Yet Simple: Despite its gourmet appearance, this dish is surprisingly straightforward to prepare, making it perfect for weeknights or special occasions alike.
- Wholesome and Satisfying: Lean chicken, wholesome cranberries, and the richness of brie offer a balanced and deeply satisfying meal for your family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating beautiful food always begins with selecting the finest ingredients. For this particular Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken, the quality of each component shines through, making every bite a delight. I always choose the freshest options, imagining the smiles they will bring to the faces around my table.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Four large (about 6-8 oz each), organic if possible. Look for uniformly thick pieces.
- Brie Cheese: 8 ounces, a good quality wheel or wedge, rind removed and cut into small pieces. The creaminess of the brie is central to this Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken.
- Fresh Cranberries: 1/2 cup, roughly chopped. If fresh are unavailable, use dried, but reduce the amount slightly to 1/3 cup.
- Fresh Rosemary: 1 tablespoon, finely chopped. Its aromatic notes perfectly complement the brie and cranberries.
- Fresh Thyme: 1 tablespoon, finely chopped. Adds a subtle earthiness.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon.
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon.
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste.
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for searing. A good quality extra virgin olive oil works best.
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup, low sodium. Adds moisture and creates a light pan sauce.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley or extra cranberries for presentation.
Substitutions & Variations
Cooking is an art of adaptability, especially when catering to different tastes or what you have on hand. Feel free to personalize your Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken. For a healthier spin, consider swapping brie for a lighter cream cheese mixed with a touch of goat cheese.
You can also experiment with other dried fruits like apricots or figs for a different sweet-tart note. For an added boost of nutrients, finely chop a handful of spinach or kale and mix it into the stuffing.
Note: This video is for demonstration purposes and may use a slightly different methode.
Cooking is an art of adaptability, especially when catering to different tastes or what you have on hand. Feel free to personalize your Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken, and for more delicious ideas, check out this Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken recipe.
Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable, allowing you to focus on the joy of creation. Gather these essentials before you begin:
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: For butterflying and chopping.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for preparation.
- Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: To flatten the chicken breasts evenly.
- Small Mixing Bowl: For preparing the stuffing.
- Large Oven-Safe Skillet (Cast Iron or Stainless Steel): Essential for searing and then transferring directly to the oven.
- Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken cooks to a safe internal temperature.
- Toothpicks: To secure the stuffed chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating this beautiful Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is a straightforward process, a dance of simple steps leading to a magnificent meal. Follow along, and soon your kitchen will fill with the most inviting aromas, signaling a truly special dinner is on its way.
- Prepare the Chicken: Lay each chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Carefully butterfly each breast by slicing horizontally through the thickest part, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open it like a book. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the chicken and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking for your Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken.
- Mix the Stuffing: In a small bowl, combine the cut brie cheese, chopped fresh cranberries, finely chopped rosemary, and finely chopped thyme. Mix gently to combine all the beautiful flavors.
- Stuff the Chicken: Divide the brie and cranberry mixture evenly among the four chicken breasts. Place the mixture on one half of each pounded chicken breast, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold the other half of the chicken over the filling to create a neat packet. Secure the edges with two or three toothpicks to keep the delicious Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken filling intact during cooking.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture generously over both sides of the stuffed chicken breasts, ensuring every piece of your Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is well coated.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until beautifully golden brown. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor and a lovely crust on your Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken.
- Finish in the Oven: Reduce the heat to medium-low, then pour the chicken broth into the skillet around the chicken. Immediately transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. The brie will be perfectly melted and gooey.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let the Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken rest for 5 minutes before removing the toothpicks and serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in incredibly tender and moist chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cranberries if desired.
Creating this beautiful Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is a straightforward process, a dance of simple steps leading to a magnificent meal. If you’re looking for another delicious chicken dish, consider trying this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf for a flavorful twist.
Pro Tips for Success
For those who love to master their craft in the kitchen, these pointers will help you achieve perfection with your Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken every time. Dominique always says, a little extra attention makes all the difference.
- Uniform Thickness is Key: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook uniformly and prevents one part from drying out while another is still cooking.
- Don’t Overstuff: While tempting, overstuffing can lead to the filling oozing out excessively during cooking. A moderate amount ensures the Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken holds its shape.
- Secure Tightly: Use enough toothpicks to firmly close the chicken packets. This creates a seal that traps the gooey brie and tart cranberries inside.
- Sear for Flavor: The initial sear creates a beautiful golden crust and locks in the juices, adding a significant depth of flavor to your Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken before it even enters the oven.
- Monitor Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This prevents both undercooking and overcooking.
- Let it Rest: Resting the cooked chicken allows the muscle fibers to relax and reabsorb the juices, making your Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken incredibly moist and tender.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Sometimes, the joy of a meal extends beyond the first serving. Proper storage and reheating mean you can savor the deliciousness of this Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken for another day. It’s like a little present to your future self!
Store any leftover Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This gentle reheating method helps maintain the chicken’s moisture and prevents the brie from becoming too oily.
Sometimes, the joy of a meal extends beyond the first serving. For those seeking ways to enjoy leftover meals, discover how to make the most out of your flavors with this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Chowder recipe.
What to Serve With This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
Every star deserves a worthy supporting cast, and this Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is no exception. Pairing it with simple, fresh sides allows its rich flavors to truly shine. Think of complementary textures and colors to create a visually appealing and balanced plate.
- Roasted Asparagus: A classic choice, roasted asparagus offers a delightful crunch and earthy flavor that beautifully contrasts the richness of the Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken.
- Garlic Parmesan Green Beans: Quick, easy, and vibrant, these green beans add a fresh, slightly savory element.
- Wild Rice Pilaf: A nutty wild rice pilaf provides a wholesome and comforting base for the Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken, soaking up any delicious pan juices.
- Simple Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing counterpoint, cutting through the richness of the brie.
- Creamy Polenta: For a truly decadent experience, a bed of creamy polenta makes an excellent pairing, especially if you want to make the Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken a more hearty meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I prevent the brie from oozing out?
To minimize brie oozing, ensure you don’t overstuff the chicken. Secure the edges with enough toothpicks to form a tight seal. Chilling the stuffed chicken for 15-20 minutes before searing can also help solidify the brie slightly, making it less prone to escape immediately. Also, a good initial sear helps to quickly seal the chicken’s exterior, keeping the Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken filling intact.
Can I prepare Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and stuff the chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow steps 1-4, then cover the seasoned, stuffed chicken tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
When ready to cook, proceed with searing and baking. This makes Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken an ideal choice for entertaining.
What type of chicken is best for Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken recipe because they are easy to butterfly and pound thin. Look for breasts that are roughly the same size and thickness for even cooking. Organic, free-range chicken often offers superior flavor and texture.
Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken combines the rich flavors of creamy brie cheese with tart cranberries, creating an impressive yet easy-to-make dish. This delightful recipe captures the essence of comfort food while also resembling gourmet fare, making it a popular choice for dinner parties and family meals alike. To learn more about similar culinary delights, visit this cooking resource.
Final Thoughts
As Dominique, I cherish how this Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken brings warmth and joy to our table. It’s more than a meal; it’s an invitation to gather, share, and create lasting memories. Let this recipe inspire love and delicious moments in your home, just as it does in mine, making every dinner a celebration of family.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Approximate values for one serving of Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 45g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 130mg |
| Sodium | 700mg |
Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the chicken by butterflying each breast and pounding to an even thickness.
- In a small bowl, mix together brie, chopped cranberries, rosemary, and thyme.
- Divide the stuffing among the chicken breasts, fold them over, and secure with toothpicks.
- Season the chicken with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden brown on both sides.
- Add chicken broth, then transfer the skillet to a preheated oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving, garnished with parsley or cranberries if desired.
Notes
Hi there, I’m chef living in New York City. Every morning, I wake up to the sounds of my little one’s laughter and the comforting routine of preparing breakfast for my family my husband, our child, and my beloved mother, who’s become both my rock and my inspiration since my father passed away. As the only daughter left in our family, I feel a deep responsibility to carry on his memory whenever I step into the kitchen.
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
