If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie Recipe is your new go-to. This enchanting combination balances the creamy richness of brie with the fresh, slightly earthy spinach and the sweet burst of dried cranberries, all nestled inside tender chicken breasts. It’s a comforting yet elegant meal that brings together color, flavor, and texture in one delicious package—perfect for family dinners or impressing guests without a fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a gently curated list of ingredients that work harmoniously. Each one is key to achieving that luscious, savory filling and perfectly cooked chicken, making this meal as stunning as it is tasty.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that’s perfect for stuffing and baking evenly.
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves: Adds vibrant color and a mild, earthy flavor that balances the richness.
- 4 oz brie cheese (rind removed and sliced): Melts beautifully, creating a luscious, creamy stuffing center.
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries: Offers a sweet, tart contrast that brightens every bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden perfection before baking.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides an aromatic depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A subtle herb that complements chicken and cheese superbly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning both inside and out to enhance all components.
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine: To secure the stuffed chicken breasts, keeping the filling intact during cooking.
How to Make Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through—imagine opening a book. This technique creates the perfect pocket for your stuffing and ensures even cooking.
Step 2: Season the Interior
Season the inside of each opened chicken breast generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme. These simple spices infuse the meat with flavor that pairs magnificently with the filling ingredients.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Layer fresh spinach leaves inside the chicken pocket, followed by slices of creamy brie and finally, a scatter of dried cranberries. This layering delivers bursts of flavor and maintains the delightful color contrast you want to see on your plate.
Step 4: Secure and Season
Fold the chicken breasts back over the filling and fasten with toothpicks or kitchen twine to ensure nothing escapes during cooking. Then season the outside of the chicken with salt and pepper, prepping the surface for a golden, flavorful crust.
Step 5: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed chicken breasts carefully and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust; this step locks in juices and adds beautiful texture.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake the chicken for 18 to 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked through and the brie inside is melted to creamy bliss.
Step 7: Ready to Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and carefully take out the toothpicks or twine before plating. Your Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie Recipe is now ready to delight.
How to Serve Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color and herbal freshness. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a light spoonful of cranberry sauce on top can really amplify the festive vibe and add an extra touch of sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair this recipe with roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple quinoa salad to soak up the luscious juices. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette can also refresh the palate and balance the richness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, plate the chicken breast slices fanned out over a pool of herbed pan sauce, garnished with whole cranberries or microgreens. Using elegant white plates can really make the dish’s vibrant colors pop and impress your guests visually as much as on the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie Recipe cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or placing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days to enjoy another convenient, flavorful meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if stored properly. Wrap each stuffed breast individually in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a low oven (about 300°F) until warmed through, which keeps the chicken juicy and ensures the brie filling remains molten. Avoid the microwave if possible to prevent drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie Recipe shines with brie’s creamy texture and mild flavor, goat cheese or mozzarella are also excellent substitutes that melt beautifully and complement the other ingredients well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the dish is naturally gluten-free as none of the components contain gluten. It’s a great choice if you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping ingredients and butterflying the chicken, plus around 25 minutes cooking time. That means you can have this impressive dish ready in roughly 40 minutes total.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, replace the brie with a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit cheese altogether and increase the spinach and cranberries for flavor. The rest of the recipe remains delicious and satisfying.
What is the best way to butterfly chicken breasts?
Using a sharp knife, slice horizontally into the thickest part of the chicken breast, cutting almost through but not all the way. Then open the breast flat like a book; this creates the ideal surface inside to hold your delightful stuffing securely.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving the Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie Recipe a try. It’s one of those dishes that feels special yet comes together without stress—perfect for treating yourself or loved ones. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a holiday meal, the blend of creamy brie, fresh spinach, and tart cranberries wrapped in juicy chicken truly makes this recipe a winner every time.
Print
Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This delicious Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie features tender chicken breasts filled with fresh spinach, creamy brie cheese, and sweet dried cranberries. Searing before baking locks in the flavors and keeps the chicken juicy, making it a perfect gluten-free main course ideal for festive dinners or a special weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Filling
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 4 oz brie cheese, rind removed and sliced
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
Seasoning and Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally without cutting all the way through, then open like a book to create a pocket.
- Season the inside: Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme evenly inside each butterflied chicken breast for flavor.
- Assemble the filling: Layer fresh spinach leaves, sliced brie cheese, and dried cranberries inside each chicken breast, distributing ingredients evenly.
- Secure the chicken: Fold the chicken breast to enclose the filling and secure tightly using toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent stuffing from spilling out during cooking.
- Season the outside: Lightly season the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown to lock in juices.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven, take out the toothpicks or twine, and serve warm for a flavorful and elegant meal.
Notes
- Substitute goat cheese or mozzarella cheese for brie if preferred.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans inside the filling for extra texture and crunch.
- For a festive touch, serve with a spoonful of cranberry sauce on the side.
