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This cranberry brie stuffed chicken is the perfect way to bring a bit of festive flair to an easy weeknight meal. It combines creamy cheese with tart cranberry and fragrant rosemary for a juicy, flavorful dinner that feels special without extra fuss.
I threw this together on a whim one evening when I had some brie and cranberry sauce left from holiday leftovers. It quickly became one of my favorite quick dinners that impress guests without stress.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: provide a lean, tender base that’s perfect for stuffing
- Brie cheese: offers a rich and creamy texture that melts beautifully inside the chicken
- Whole berry cranberry sauce: brings a sweet-tart pop and nice texture contrast, opt for a good quality jar for best flavor
- Fresh rosemary: adds an aromatic herbaceous note that lifts the whole dish, pick bright green sprigs for best flavor
- Olive oil: for searing delivers a nice golden crust and enhances flavor
- Salt and black pepper: are simple seasonings that highlight the other ingredients without overpowering
- Toothpicks: help keep the stuffing secure while cooking, wooden ones soak in water briefly to avoid burning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius to ensure it is hot enough to cook the chicken through while melting the cheese inside evenly
- Prepare Chicken:
- Lay each chicken breast flat and carefully cut a horizontal pocket along one side without cutting all the way through. This pocket will hold the stuffing, so make it large enough to fit the brie, cranberry sauce, and fresh rosemary
- Stuff Chicken:
- Layer slices of brie, a spoonful of whole berry cranberry sauce, and a sprinkle of chopped rosemary inside each pocket. Don’t overfill to avoid the stuffing falling out while cooking. Use toothpicks to secure the pocket closed so your yummy filling stays put
- Season and Sear:
- Season the outside of each stuffed chicken breast generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear each chicken breast for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. This step not only adds flavor but helps seal in the juices
- Bake:
- Transfer the skillet with the chicken to the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 74 degrees Celsius internally. This ensures it is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat, with perfectly melted brie inside
- Serve:
- Remove toothpicks carefully before plating. Slice to reveal the gooey brie and tart cranberry filling. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet and savory combination
One of my favorite things about this recipe is the way the melted brie oozes out with the cranberry sauce, creating little pockets of flavor that keep every bite exciting. I first made this for a small holiday gathering and it became an instant conversation starter.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers tightly wrapped in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven to prevent drying out. This dish is best eaten within two days for optimal freshness
Ingredient Swaps
If you don’t have brie use a soft cheese like camembert or cream cheese for the filling. Cranberry jelly or even some raspberry preserves can substitute for whole berry cranberry sauce with a slightly different texture and flavor profile
Serving Ideas
Make this dish shine with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. Mashed potatoes or wild rice complement the creamy and tart flavors beautifully
This dish is both a comforting weeknight meal and a festive showstopper that’s easy to prepare and always delightful.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → How do I prevent the chicken from drying out during cooking?
Searing the chicken breasts first helps lock in moisture, while baking at the right temperature ensures juiciness without overcooking.
- → Can I substitute brie with another type of cheese?
Soft cheeses like camembert or goat cheese work well as alternatives, offering similar creaminess and flavor profiles.
- → What role does rosemary play in this dish?
Fresh rosemary adds a fragrant, earthy aroma that complements the sweet cranberry and rich brie, enhancing overall taste.
- → Is it necessary to secure the chicken with toothpicks?
Toothpicks keep the filling in place during cooking, preventing it from spilling and ensuring even cooking.
- → What is the best way to serve this chicken preparation?
Serve it sliced to reveal the creamy filling, paired with roasted vegetables or a light salad to balance flavors.
- → Can the filling ingredients be prepared ahead of time?
You can slice the brie and measure the cranberry sauce in advance to save time during assembly.