Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons:
- Flavor Explosion – The creamy Brie and the vibrant cranberry mixture offer the perfect combination of richness and sweetness, complementing the tender, savory chicken.
- Elegant and Impressive – This dish looks sophisticated but is easy to prepare, making it ideal for dinner parties or special gatherings.
- Hearty and Satisfying – The stuffed chicken is filling yet balanced with the freshness of cranberries and the creaminess of Brie.
- Simple Ingredients – Despite its impressive appearance, this dish is made with simple, accessible ingredients that pack a lot of flavor.
- Versatile – It pairs well with a variety of side dishes, from roasted vegetables to a fresh salad, or even mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Ingredients
To make Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken:
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Mixture
- Cook the Cranberries: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the fresh cranberries and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and burst, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Flavorings: Stir in the honey, orange juice, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking the cranberry mixture for another 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Cool the Mixture: Remove the cranberry mixture from the heat and set it aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut a Pocket: Cut a pocket in the center of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. The pocket should be large enough to hold the cheese and cranberry mixture.
- Stuff the Chicken: Stuff each chicken breast with equal amounts of Brie cheese pieces. Spoon a portion of the cooled cranberry mixture into each chicken breast, over the Brie cheese.
- Secure the Chicken: Use toothpicks to secure the opening of each chicken breast, ensuring the filling stays in place while cooking.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
- Heat the Skillet: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Step 4: Add the Breadcrumb Topping
- Prepare the Panko Mixture: While the chicken is searing, combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter in a small bowl.
- Top the Chicken: Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Spread the panko breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
- Bake: Return the chicken to the skillet and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
Servings and Timing
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Rest Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 2 servings (1 chicken breast per person)
Variations
- Add Balsamic Vinegar: For a more intense cranberry flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the cranberry mixture.
- Sweeter Filling: If you prefer a sweeter filling, increase the honey by a tablespoon or two.
- Use Different Cheese: Swap out the Brie for goat cheese, cream cheese, or even sharp cheddar for a different flavor.
- Spice Level: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cranberry mixture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, though the breadcrumb topping may lose some crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken breasts and stuff them in advance, but it’s best to bake them just before serving to maintain their crispness.
2. Can I freeze this chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed chicken breasts before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
3. Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones are unavailable. Just thaw them and cook as directed.
4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for breasts. Thighs tend to be juicier, but the cooking time may need slight adjustment.
5. Can I skip the breadcrumbs topping?
If you prefer a lighter dish, you can skip the breadcrumb topping and bake the chicken without it. You’ll still have a delicious meal.
6. What can I serve with this chicken?
Serve this dish with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light green salad for a complete and balanced meal.
7. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out while cooking?
Secure the chicken with toothpicks and ensure the pocket is tightly stuffed. You can also use kitchen twine to tie the chicken breasts.
8. Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
Yes, you can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for honey if you prefer.
9. Can I add more spices to the cranberry mixture?
Feel free to add a pinch of allspice, cloves, or ginger for extra warmth and flavor in the cranberry mixture.
10. Can I make this recipe without cheese?
Yes, if you’re avoiding cheese, you can make this a cheese-free dish and still enjoy the cranberry stuffing for a flavorful and tangy filling.
Conclusion
Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is an elegant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its juicy chicken, creamy Brie, and tangy cranberry filling, it’s a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish will impress your guests and leave everyone asking for the recipe!
Print
Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken: A Flavorful Showstopper
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken combines tender chicken with creamy Brie cheese and sweet-tart cranberry filling, all topped with a crispy breadcrumb coating. It’s an elegant and flavorful dish perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup fresh cranberries
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan. Add cranberries and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in honey, orange juice, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Cut a pocket in each chicken breast. Stuff with Brie cheese pieces and cranberry mixture. Secure with toothpicks.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Combine panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Spread over chicken breasts.
- Transfer skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
For extra flavor, add balsamic vinegar to the cranberry mixture.
Use goat cheese or sharp cheddar as alternatives to Brie.
Increase the honey for a sweeter filling, or add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
