Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie Recipe

Introduction

This Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie is a deliciously elegant dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The combination of creamy brie, tart cranberries, and fresh spinach creates a flavorful stuffing that pairs beautifully with tender chicken breasts.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 4 ounces brie cheese, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Prepare the chicken breasts by placing them on a cutting board and cutting a pocket into the side of each breast.
3. Step 3: Season the inside and outside of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.
4. Step 4: In a pan over medium heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the spinach until wilted, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix together the sautéed spinach and dried cranberries.
6. Step 6: Stuff each chicken breast with equal portions of the spinach and cranberry mixture, followed by slices of brie cheese.
7. Step 7: Secure each chicken breast with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
8. Step 8: Heat any remaining olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear each side until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.
9. Step 9: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
10. Step 10: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
11. Step 11: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a nutty crunch, add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the spinach and cranberry mixture.
• If brie is too soft, you can substitute with mozzarella or goat cheese for a different flavor.
• Use fresh cranberries if available, but soak them in warm water to soften before mixing.
• Ensure the chicken pockets are not cut too wide to prevent stuffing from spilling out.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through to maintain texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to cook. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

You can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before sautéing and mixing with cranberries to avoid watery filling.

Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 83 reviews

This Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie is a deliciously elegant dish that features tender chicken breasts filled with a flavorful mixture of sautéed spinach, sweet dried cranberries, and creamy brie cheese. Perfectly seared and then baked to juicy perfection, this recipe combines savory and sweet elements for a delightful meal suitable for dinner parties or a special family dinner.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for searing)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Filling

• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 4 ounces brie cheese, sliced

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the stuffed chicken breasts.
2. Prepare Chicken Pockets: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and carefully cut a pocket into the side of each breast, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
3. Season Chicken: Season the inside and outside of each chicken breast generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme for a balanced flavor.
4. Sauté Spinach: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, add the spinach and sauté until wilted, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
5. Mix Filling: In a small bowl, combine the sautéed spinach with dried cranberries, creating a sweet and savory filling.
6. Stuff Chicken: Stuff each chicken breast pocket with an equal amount of the spinach and cranberry mixture, followed by slices of brie cheese to add creaminess.
7. Secure Chicken: Use toothpicks to secure the openings of the chicken breasts, preventing the filling from spilling out during cooking.
8. Sear Chicken: Heat additional olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear each chicken breast on both sides until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side, to lock in juices and add flavor.
9. Add Broth and Bake: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
10. Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before removing toothpicks and serving, allowing the juices to redistribute.

Notes

• You can substitute brie with cream cheese or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Make sure not to cut the chicken breasts all the way through to prevent the filling from leaking out.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• For a lower-fat option, reduce the amount of olive oil used for sautéing and searing.

Keywords: stuffed chicken, spinach, cranberry, brie, baked chicken, healthy dinner, holiday recipe, easy chicken recipe