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Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken: Easy Delicious Recipe

I remember Mom folding her holiday apron, sneaking me bites of warm homemade cranberry sauce while the turkey rested on the counter. That same nostalgic magic is baked into this cranberry and brie stuffed chickena cozy holiday dish that’s trending on TikTok and Pinterest alike. It looks elegant, but it’s surprisingly easy to make with only 20 minutes of prep and a bubbly, golden finish in under an hour.

This dish features all the holiday heavy-hitters: tart cranberry, rich and creamy brie, and tender chicken breastwithout requiring exotic ingredients or last-minute grocery store runs. It uses staple kitchen items, wrapped together in warm, festive flavor. It’s like a comfort blanket in dinner form. Full recipe details below!

I grew up photographing Sunday dinners in Grandma’s kitchen, where everything smelled like herbs and slow-roasted love. She had a habit of stuffing everythingfrom peppers to pork chopsthat’s where I learned that flavor blooms from the inside out. I tested this recipe four different ways. And wait until you see the secret swipe I added in the stuffingit changes everything.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken

  • Festive flavors: The sweet-tart punch of cranberries paired with rich brie makes this the perfect holiday entrée.
  • Beginner-friendly: Elegant presentation with minimal techniquejust some slicing and stuffing!
  • Versatile: Great for cozy date nights, intimate holiday dinners, or scaled-up to feed a crowd.
  • Balanced: Naturally gluten-free and protein-packed, it’s indulgent without weighing you down.

Key Ingredients & Tools

Overhead view of ingredients for cranberry and brie stuffed chicken including spinach, dried cranberries, brie, and raw chicken breasts
  • Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy stuffing. Each is butterflied and gently tenderized.
  • Brie cheese: Melt-in-your-mouth soft cheese slices bring creamy richness. Slice into logs for easy assembly.
  • Dried cranberries: Bring pops of sweet-tart punch. Chop slightly to help distribute evenly inside the filling.
  • Spinach: Use fresh leaves, chopped fine, for earthy contrast and color.
  • Staple seasonings: Garlic, onion, fresh or dried thyme, sea salt, and black pepper round out the savory profile.

Helpful tools: You’ll need a skillet (oven-safe if possible), kitchen twine or toothpicks, and a sharp knife for butterflying the chicken.

Ingredient Breakdown Table

IngredientNotes
Chicken breastsButterfly carefully to avoid fully splitting the pieces
Brie cheeseSlice into 6 long wedges; rind optional based on texture preference
Dried cranberriesRoughly chop for better mixing throughout the filling
SpinachUse fresh leaves, chopped or chiffonade

How to Make It Step-by-Step

This recipe comes together in just a few simple stepsits impressive looks won’t give away how easy it is!

  1. Prep the chicken: Using a sharp knife, butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Open them up and pound gently to an even thickness. Set aside.
  2. Make the filling: In a pan, sauté diced garlic and onion in olive oil until fragrant. Add chopped spinach, cranberries, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until spinach wiltsabout 1–2 minutes.
  3. Stuff and seal: Layer one slice of brie and a generous spoonful of filling in the center of each breast. Fold closed. Secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks at both ends and across the middle if needed.
  4. Sear and bake: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Brown stuffed chicken 3 minutes per side. Then transfer (in same pan or to baking dish), cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Step Summary Table

StepTime
Butterflying and tenderizing chicken10 minutes
Sautéing filling5 minutes
Stuffing and wrapping chicken10 minutes
Searing and baking35 minutes

Tips for Success

  • Butterflying is key: Slice slowly and keep it evendon’t separate the two halves completely.
  • Don’t overstuff: Too much filling can escape during cooking. Keep it proportional to the pocket size.
  • Twine trick: Tie the ends first, then wrap gently in the middle. Toothpicks are great in a pinchjust remember to remove them before serving!

Troubleshooting Table

ProblemSolution
Stuffing leaks outUse less filling and ensure tight closure with twine or toothpicks.
Chicken dries outUse a meat thermometer and allow it to rest before cutting into it.
Filling isn’t evenly distributedChop spinach and cranberries finely before combining with the sautéed mix.

Serving & Storage Tips

Serving: Serve your stuffed chicken with roasted root vegetables, crisp green salad, or garlic mashed potatoes. Don’t forget to spoon pan drippings over the top for rich added flavor.

  • Store: Seal leftovers in an airtight glass container. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Cool completely, then wrap tightly. Store in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: For best results, reheat in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes. For quicker reheating, use a skillet over medium heat, covered loosely with foil.

Storage Quick Reference

MethodDetails
FridgeStore in airtight container for up to 3 days
FreezerWrap and store in airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months
Oven ReheatReheat at 325°F for 10–15 minutes, covered
Microwave ReheatUse microwave-safe plate and heat in 2-minute intervals until warm

Expert Insight: The Appeal of Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken

Combining cranberry and brie in stuffed chicken delivers contrast and depthsavory, creamy brie melts into the meat, while the cranberries brighten each bite with a fruity zing. It’s a dish that satisfies visually and texturally, perfect when you want to impress without stress.

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!

Finding the Perfect Balance in Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken

It took several rounds of recipe testing to find the right balance of gooey brie, juicy chicken, and subtly sweet cranberries. Too much brie and the chicken wouldn’t seal. Too few berries and it felt bland. But the final version hits that sweet spot: rich, tart, and tender with a hint of earthy greens and melted goodness inside.

Plated cranberry and brie stuffed chicken garnished with fresh thyme and baby spinach on rustic ceramic plate

Conclusion

This cranberry and brie stuffed chicken recipe is a show-stopper that’s surprisingly simple. In under one hour, you’ll have a golden, gooey centerpiece that feels like a hug in every bite. It’s a festive classic you’ll turn to again and again.

Looking to remix it? Try subbing in pomegranate seeds for a juicy sparkle or adding chopped toasted pecans for a nutty crunch. The filling is forgiving and fun! Just reheat gently and enjoy all over againlike a secret from someone’s well-loved recipe box.

Did this dish remind you of your own family recipes? I’d love to hear your story. Share your version with someone who loves cozy cooking as much as you do. Trust methis one’s a keeper.

Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken warm plated close up with thyme and spinach for blog header
Thomas Baker

Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken: Easy Delicious Recipe

This Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken recipe is a simple yet elegant dish perfect for Thanksgiving, date nights, or any gluten-free dinner. Tender chicken breasts are filled with creamy brie, spinach, and tart cranberries for a flavorful meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 283

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds chicken breasts boneless & skinless
  • 5 ounces brie cheese cut into 6 long slices
  • 1 small onion minced
  • 1 large garlic clove minced
  • 1 tablespoon oil for frying
  • 6 ounces spinach chopped
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Cut chicken breasts lengthwise into 6 smaller pieces that you can butterfly.
  3. Slice each piece lengthwise in the middle but not through, open flat and tenderize a bit.
  4. Preheat large non-stick skillet on low-medium heat and swirl half of oil to coat.
  5. Add garlic and onion, sauté until translucent, stirring occasionally.
  6. Add spinach, cranberries, thyme, salt, and pepper; sauté for another minute.
  7. Remove from heat.
  8. Divide spinach mixture into 6 piles.
  9. On each flat open chicken tender, place a slice of brie and 1/6th of spinach stuffing next to it.
  10. Fold in half, tuck in the ends if possible, and wrap tightly with kitchen twine.
  11. Repeat with remaining chicken, place on a large plate, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  12. Return skillet to medium heat and swirl remaining oil.
  13. Add stuffed chicken and sear for about 3 minutes per side.
  14. If skillet is ovenproof, cover it or transfer chicken to a baking dish and cover.
  15. Bake for 25 minutes.
  16. Remove from oven, let chicken stand 5 minutes, and remove twine.
  17. Serve hot with a side of choice, spooning juices on top.

Notes

  • Store: Keep refrigerated in a glass airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight.
  • To reheat:
  • Oven: Preheat to 325°F, place chicken in baking dish, cover with foil, reheat 10-15 minutes.
  • Microwave: Cover and reheat in 2-minute intervals until heated through.
  • Stovetop: Heat in preheated skillet with a bit of oil, cover and sauté until hot, flipping once.