Listen up, friends! I’m about to share a Cranberry and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie recipe that will absolutely transform your dinner game. This stuffed chicken breast with brie is what fancy restaurant dreams are made of, but you can create it right in your own kitchen!
Imagine tender chicken breasts filled with a heavenly combination of creamy brie, tart cranberries, and nutritious spinach, all topped with a sweet-tangy honey balsamic glaze. It’s elegant enough for special occasions but simple enough for a weeknight dinner that’ll make everyone think you’ve been taking secret culinary classes!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: This baked stuffed chicken recipe looks and tastes like something from a high-end restaurant.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The creamy brie, tart cranberries, and earthy spinach create an irresistible flavor combination.
- Impressive Presentation: This festive chicken breast recipe makes a stunning centerpiece for holiday dinners or special occasions.
- Secretly Simple: Despite its elegant appearance, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward to prepare.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: The star of the show, providing a juicy, protein-packed vessel for our delicious filling.
- Fresh Spinach: Adds beautiful color, nutrients, and a subtle earthy flavor to balance the richness.
- Dried Cranberries: Brings a sweet-tart pop that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
- Brie Cheese: Creates a creamy, melty center that oozes deliciousness with every bite.
- Olive Oil: Helps achieve that perfect golden exterior on your chicken.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the chicken with savory flavor without the hassle of fresh garlic.
- Dried Thyme: Adds an aromatic, herbaceous note that complements the filling beautifully.
- Salt & Black Pepper: The classic duo that enhances all the other flavors.
- Honey: Forms the sweet base of our glaze, perfectly complementing the cranberries.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds depth and tanginess to the glaze, balancing the sweetness.
- Dijon Mustard: Brings a subtle kick and helps emulsify the glaze.
Note: The exact measurements for these ingredients will be available in the recipe card below the article.
How to Make Cranberry and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your baking dish with a light coating of oil or line it with parchment paper. Now for the fun part , creating the pocket in your chicken! Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal pocket into the side of each chicken breast. The trick is to go deep enough to create space for the filling without cutting all the way through.
Step 2: Create the Filling
In a bowl, combine your chopped spinach and dried cranberries. This colorful mixture is not only gorgeous but packed with flavor. The cranberries will plump up slightly as they cook, releasing their sweet-tart flavor throughout the chicken and brie.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
Time to stuff! Open the pocket of each chicken breast and layer in the brie slices first, followed by the spinach and cranberry mixture. Don’t be afraid to really pack it in there , that’s where all the flavor comes from in this chicken stuffed with cheese and spinach!
Step 4: Season the Chicken
Drizzle the stuffed chicken breasts with olive oil and rub it all over the surface. Then sprinkle with the garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning blend complements the filling without overpowering it.
Step 5: Sear and Bake
Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust. This step is crucial for locking in those juices! Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (or move chicken to your prepared baking dish) and bake for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
While your spinach and brie chicken is baking, prepare the honey balsamic glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly , just enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Once your chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum juiciness. Drizzle your honey balsamic chicken with the glaze just before serving for that perfect finishing touch.
Cranberry and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie
Equipment
- Baking Dish
- Sharp Knife
- Oven-safe skillet
- Small Saucepan
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach chopped
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 4 oz brie cheese sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- Cut a pocket into each chicken breast’s side, being careful not to cut through.
- Mix chopped spinach, dried cranberries, and brie slices. Stuff into chicken breasts.
- Rub chicken with olive oil. Season with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Sear chicken 2-3 minutes per side. Bake 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Mix honey, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Heat until slightly thick.
- Drizzle chicken with glaze. Remove toothpicks if used.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making the Cranberry and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie
- Secure the Filling: If your chicken pockets seem likely to open during cooking, secure them with toothpicks. Just remember to remove them before serving!
- Room Temperature Brie: Allow your brie to come to room temperature before slicing, it’s much easier to work with.
- Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, overstuffing can cause the filling to leak out during cooking.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking.
How to Serve
This easy stuffed chicken dinner pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
- For Elegance: Serve with roasted asparagus and wild rice pilaf for a dinner party-worthy meal.
- For Comfort: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts.
- For Lightness: Accompany with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
- For the Holidays: This festive chicken breast recipe shines alongside cranberry sauce, roasted root vegetables, and dinner rolls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Preparing Ahead
You can stuff the chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. This makes this holiday chicken recipe perfect for entertaining!
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cranberry stuffed chicken breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop, making the leftovers absolutely delicious.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in a 325°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 15 minutes). This prevents the chicken from drying out while gently warming the filling.
FAQs : Cranberry and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie
Can I use a different cheese instead of brie for this stuffed chicken breast with brie?
Absolutely! While brie creates that perfect creamy center, you could substitute with camembert, goat cheese, or even cream cheese. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile but will still be delicious.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out of my chicken stuffed with cheese and spinach?
The key is to create a deep pocket without cutting all the way through the chicken. Additionally, securing the opening with toothpicks can help keep everything in place during cooking. Searing the chicken first also helps seal the pocket.
Can I make this baked stuffed chicken recipe with frozen spinach?
Yes, but be sure to thaw the spinach completely and squeeze out all excess moisture before using. Too much moisture can make the filling runny and affect the texture of your finished dish.
Is this honey balsamic chicken suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This recipe holds up well for meal prep. You can prepare several stuffed chicken breasts at once and either refrigerate them for cooking within 2-3 days or freeze them (before cooking) for up to 3 months. Just thaw completely before cooking.
This Cranberry and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie recipe elevates ordinary chicken to extraordinary heights. The combination of creamy cheese, tart fruit, and earthy greens creates a symphony of flavors that will impress even the most discerning palates. So as we always say at Keep This Recipe, “Good food is meant to be shared, but great recipes are meant to be kept!”
