I was in my kitchen, surrounded by my family getting ready for the holiday dinner. I remembered the first time I made cranberry brie stuffed chicken breasts. It was a cold December evening, and I wanted to impress my guests quickly.
I used brie cheese and tangy cranberries from my pantry. Inspiration hit, and I made this gourmet chicken dish. It filled the room with a delicious smell and made everyone talk about it for days.
This dish is now a favorite at my holiday dinners. It makes any gathering special. The chicken is tender, the cheese is melted, and the cranberries add sweetness. It’s easy to make and always a hit!
Introduction to Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is a tasty mix of flavors. It’s great for special events like Thanksgiving or Christmas. It’s also easy to make for a weeknight dinner.
The chicken, brie, and cranberry sauce taste amazing together. It’s a favorite dish at any meal.
Making this dish is easy. It lets me enjoy cooking and the yummy food. It looks fancy when I serve it, too.
This recipe is perfect for any occasion. It’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients for Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Making a tasty stuffed chicken recipe starts with the right ingredients. This dish uses brie cheese for a great taste. Here are the things you need to make this yummy meal.
Required Ingredients
- 3-4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Slices of brie cheese (quantity as desired)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (choose sweetened or unsweetened)
- Fresh spinach (feel free to use kale or thawed frozen spinach)
- Fresh onion and garlic (alternatively, use garlic powder)
- Dried thyme
- Oil for frying (extra virgin olive oil is recommended)
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Possible Substitutions
If you’re missing some ingredients, don’t worry. Here are some swaps you can make:
| Original Ingredient | Possible Substitute |
|---|---|
| Brie cheese | Cream cheese or goat cheese |
| Fresh spinach | Kale or Swiss chard |
| Fresh onion | Shallots or onion powder |
| Garlic | Garlic powder |
| Dried cranberries | Raisins or chopped apples |
Being flexible with these ingredients lets you enjoy the brie cheese recipe even without everything.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Making a cranberry and brie stuffed chicken is fun. It’s a tasty dish that feeds up to six people. Follow these easy steps to make a meal that will wow your guests.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cut the chicken breasts in half to butterfly them, ensuring not to cut through completely.
- Sauté garlic and onions in olive oil until translucent. Add spinach, cranberries, thyme, and seasoning, cooking until the spinach wilts.
- Divide the stuffing and place it inside each chicken breast along with a slice of brie.
- Fold the chicken breasts and secure them with toothpicks or kitchen twine. Season the outsides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the stuffed chicken in a skillet for about three minutes per side. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Preparing and Seasoning the Chicken
Use 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. Prepare your stuffing mix first for a tasty filling. To keep the chicken juicy, secure it well. This lets the brie and cranberries melt inside, making a great mix.
A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds a bit of heat. This makes the dish even more flavorful.
Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Making a tasty cranberry chicken breast recipe is fun. This dish mixes brie cheese and sweet cranberries. It’s great for any event. Here’s how to make it, with all the ingredients and steps you need.
- 1.5 lb. Thin Sliced Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- Brie Cheese (amount as desired)
- ¼ cup Dried Cranberries
- 2 Eggs
- 2 tbsp. Heavy Cream
- ½ cup Seasoned Breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Grated Parmesan
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream.
- Prepare the chicken breasts by flattening them slightly for even cooking.
- Place a slice of brie and a sprinkle of dried cranberries on each chicken breast.
- Carefully roll up each chicken breast and secure the ends with toothpicks if necessary.
- Coat the outside of the rolled chicken with the egg mixture, followed by a sprinkle of seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan.
- Place the stuffed chicken rolls on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F.
- For a beautiful golden brown crust, broil for an additional 2 minutes.
This gourmet stuffed chicken serves 6 and each serving has about 460 calories. You can make it up to 24 hours ahead. If you freeze it, it lasts up to 3 months. Remember, cooked chicken can be stored in the fridge for 3 days. Enjoy this recipe for a tasty dish that’s both comforting and fancy!
Tips for Perfectly Stuffed Chicken
When you make a holiday chicken recipe, it’s key to stuff the chicken well. I’ve found some tips to help you cook better and get tasty results.
Choosing the Right Chicken Breast
Choosing the right chicken breast is very important. Pick thicker cuts for easier stuffing. Fresh and quality chicken makes your dish stand out at any event.
Technique for Stuffing Chicken Breasts
Stuffing chicken breasts the right way makes a big difference. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a sharp knife to make a pocket in each breast. Make sure there’s room on the sides for stuffing.
- Season the inside lightly with salt and pepper. This helps keep the stuffing dry.
- Put your favorite stuffing, like cranberry and brie, inside without stuffing too much.
- Use toothpicks or twine to close the pocket. This keeps the stuffing in while it cooks.
With these tips, your stuffed chicken will taste great and look good too.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Breasts
When you serve stuffed chicken, how it looks is very important. The warm brie and bright cranberry stuffing make a beautiful sight. I cut the chicken into slices to show off the filling.
For sides, try creamy mashed potatoes, nutty quinoa, or a green salad. These help balance the rich brie taste. Drizzle the chicken juices on top for extra flavor and look.
This dish makes a wonderful meal. It’s perfect for holiday parties or family dinners. It’s sure to make everyone happy.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftover Chicken
After enjoying the tasty cranberry brie stuffed chicken breasts, you might want to keep leftovers fresh. Storing stuffed chicken right helps keep its great taste for later.
How to Store Leftovers
Put leftovers in an airtight container to keep flavors and moisture in. Stuffed chicken stays good in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it. You can freeze it for 3 months before cooking, or 2 months after.
Reheating Options
Reheating chicken safely makes it just as tasty as the first time. Here are a couple ways to do it:
- Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F. Cover the chicken with foil and warm it for 10-15 minutes. This keeps it juicy.
- Microwave: For quick heating, place the chicken on a safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes until it’s warm.
By using these easy storage and reheating tips, your cranberry brie stuffed chicken will be just as good the second time!
| Storage Method | Time Frame |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days |
| Freezer (before cooking) | Up to 3 months |
| Freezer (after cooking) | Up to 2 months |
Health Benefits of Cranberry and Brie
Cranberries are tasty and good for you. They have lots of antioxidants. These help your heart by making cholesterol better and lowering blood pressure.
Cranberries also stop urinary tract infections. They have something called proanthocyanidins. These stop bacteria from sticking.
Brie cheese is also good for you. It has lots of calcium. This is great for your bones and teeth.
Brie also has protein. This makes it filling and satisfying. Even though it has fat, it’s okay in small amounts.
Mixing cranberries and brie in recipes is smart. It adds flavor and health benefits. This makes food both tasty and good for you.
Creative Serving Ideas for Holiday Dinner
I love to show off my Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Breasts at holiday parties. I pair it with homemade cranberry sauce for extra flavor and color. Serving it with roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots makes it a treat for the eyes and taste buds.
Adding unique garnishes like fresh herbs makes the dish special. Rosemary or thyme add elegance and a nice smell. For a cozy dinner, I arrange the chicken on a pretty platter. At parties, I cut it into slices and serve it with cranberry chutney or other sauces.
These ideas make my Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken a hit at any holiday event. It’s sure to impress and add joy to your table.
