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

- 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
Ingredient | Notes |
---|---|
Chicken breasts | Butterfly carefully to avoid fully splitting the pieces |
Brie cheese | Slice into 6 long wedges; rind optional based on texture preference |
Dried cranberries | Roughly chop for better mixing throughout the filling |
Spinach | Use 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Step | Time |
---|---|
Butterflying and tenderizing chicken | 10 minutes |
Sautéing filling | 5 minutes |
Stuffing and wrapping chicken | 10 minutes |
Searing and baking | 35 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
Problem | Solution |
---|---|
Stuffing leaks out | Use less filling and ensure tight closure with twine or toothpicks. |
Chicken dries out | Use a meat thermometer and allow it to rest before cutting into it. |
Filling isn’t evenly distributed | Chop 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
Method | Details |
---|---|
Fridge | Store in airtight container for up to 3 days |
Freezer | Wrap and store in airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months |
Oven Reheat | Reheat at 325°F for 10–15 minutes, covered |
Microwave Reheat | Use 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.
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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.

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