Description
This Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken recipe offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet with creamy Brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce nestled inside tender chicken breasts. It’s a delightful dish that’s easy to prepare, ideal for a special weeknight dinner or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Stuffing
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz Brie cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (fresh or canned)
Seasoning and Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking after searing the chicken.
- Prepare chicken pockets: Carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast with a sharp knife, making sure not to cut all the way through to hold the stuffing securely.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle each chicken breast with salt, pepper, and dried thyme to enhance the flavors.
- Stuff the chicken: Fill each pocket with slices of Brie cheese and about 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce. Secure with toothpicks if necessary to keep the stuffing inside during cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the Brie cheese has melted inside.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Remove toothpicks and garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or canned cranberry sauce based on your preference; homemade cranberry sauce works beautifully.
- Make sure to secure the pocket with toothpicks to avoid the filling from spilling out during searing and baking.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the chicken to a baking dish after searing.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking ensures it stays juicy and flavorful.
- Pair the dish with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
