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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into slices - 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought) - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme) - 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking The main ingredients for this dish are simple yet flavorful. The chicken breasts serve as the perfect canvas. The creamy Brie cheese adds richness. The cranberry sauce brings a sweet and tart note. Fresh thyme gives a lovely herbal touch. - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for seasoning - 1/4 cup chopped pecans for added crunch - Fresh parsley for garnish You can enhance your dish with optional ingredients. Garlic powder adds extra flavor. Chopped pecans give a satisfying crunch. Fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds color. - Salt and pepper to taste Seasoning is key to any meal. Salt and pepper elevate the flavors in the chicken. You can adjust the amounts to suit your taste. This simple step makes a big difference. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Take four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Place them on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket in each breast. Slice horizontally, but do not cut all the way through. This pocket will hold the tasty filling. Next, mix cranberry sauce and thyme in a small bowl. You can use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce. Add one teaspoon of fresh thyme or half a teaspoon of dried thyme. Stir well and set it aside for later. Now it’s time to stuff the chicken. Season the inside and outside of each chicken breast. Use garlic powder, salt, and pepper for flavor. Then, take each chicken breast and fill it with slices of Brie cheese. Add a generous spoonful of the cranberry-thyme mixture. If you like, sprinkle in some chopped pecans for extra crunch. For cooking, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear them for about four to five minutes on each side. You want them to turn golden brown. Next, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures your chicken is safe and juicy. After baking, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for five minutes. This helps the juices settle. When ready, slice and enjoy your delicious cranberry Brie stuffed chicken! To make sure your chicken is just right, check the internal temperature. You want it to reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to get this reading. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. After cooking, let the chicken rest for five minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices in the meat. Cutting too soon can make it dry. To make your dish pop, think about adding extra spices. A pinch of paprika or a dash of cayenne can add warmth. You can also try some fresh rosemary or sage for a different flavor profile. If you want a more homemade touch, use your own cranberry sauce. It allows you to control the sweetness and tanginess. Plus, it can add a personal flair to your dish. Pair the stuffed chicken with sides that complement its flavors. Roasted vegetables, like carrots and Brussels sprouts, work well. Creamy mashed potatoes or a light salad with vinaigrette can also be great choices. For plating, slice the chicken and fan it out on a plate. Drizzle some extra cranberry sauce on top. Sprinkle chopped parsley around for color. This makes your dish look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Use Fresh Thyme: Using fresh thyme instead of dried will elevate the flavor profile of your dish significantly. Fresh herbs have a more vibrant taste that complements the sweetness of the cranberry sauce. Perfectly Stuffed Chicken: When cutting the pocket in the chicken breast, ensure you leave enough space for the stuffing to expand during cooking. This helps to keep the filling contained and flavorful. Rest the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking is crucial. This step helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy. Add a Crunch: If you opt to include pecans, toast them lightly before adding to the stuffing. This enhances their flavor and provides a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy Brie. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in this dish. Try goat cheese for a tangy twist. Cheddar works too and adds a sharp flavor. Both melt beautifully inside the chicken. Each cheese brings its own taste and creaminess. Herbs and spices can change the dish's taste. Instead of thyme, use rosemary for a woodsy touch. Basil adds a fresh hint, while sage gives a warm flavor. Experiment with your favorite herbs to find what you love most. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Adding different fruits or nuts can create fun textures. Diced apples or pears give sweetness. Chopped walnuts or almonds add crunch. Dried cranberries can enhance the fruity taste. Each variation offers a unique bite, so mix and match as you like! You can keep leftover cranberry brie stuffed chicken in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature first. This will help keep it fresh. Store it for up to three days. When ready to eat, check for any off smells or textures. To freeze stuffed chicken, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. Label the bag with the date. This makes it easier to track. To reheat, you can use the oven or stovetop. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Cover it with foil to lock in steam. Bake for about 20 minutes. If you prefer the stovetop, heat a skillet on medium-low. Add a bit of oil and warm the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. This way, it stays juicy and delicious. You need to check the internal temperature. The chicken must reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken. If it hits that number, it’s safe to eat. If not, cook it a bit longer. This step ensures your meal is safe and tasty. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. You can stuff the chicken and then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook evenly. If you don’t have cranberry sauce, you have options. You can use applesauce or fig jam for a sweet twist. You might also try a mix of apricot jam and fresh herbs. These alternatives will create a unique flavor while still keeping it delicious. In this article, we explored how to make delectable cranberry brie stuffed chicken. We covered key ingredients, simple steps, and tips for perfect results. Remember to check the chicken's temperature for doneness. Feel free to swap ingredients based on your taste. Enjoy your delicious creation and impress your guests with this impressive dish! Cooking should always bring joy. Keep experimenting and have fun in the kitchen!

Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken

Delicious chicken breasts stuffed with creamy Brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce, perfect for a special dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into slices
  • 0.5 cup cranberry sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 to taste salt
  • 1 to taste pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 0.25 cup pecans, chopped (optional)
  • 1 to taste fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the cranberry sauce and thyme. Set aside.
  • Carefully cut a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
  • Season the inside and outside of each chicken breast with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Stuff each chicken breast with a few slices of Brie cheese and a generous spoonful of the cranberry-thyme mixture. If desired, add chopped pecans for extra texture.
  • Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts, searing for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This will help retain the juices.
  • Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain juices.
Keyword Brie, chicken, cranberry, stuffed chicken