🍗🍒🧀 Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie
Serves: 4
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Flavor: Creamy, savory, slightly sweet, and beautifully balanced
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
For the Filling
- ½ cup cubed Brie cheese (rind optional)
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (roughly chopped)
- 1–2 tablespoons cream cheese or ricotta (optional, helps filling stick)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, enhances the cranberry flavor)
For Serving (Optional)
- Fresh thyme
- Extra dried cranberries
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze
⭐ Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat chicken breasts dry.
- Using a sharp knife, cut a deep pocket into the side of each breast without cutting through.
- Season chicken inside and out with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Make the Filling
In a bowl, combine:
- cubed Brie
- chopped spinach
- dried cranberries
- cream cheese/ricotta (if using)
- honey (optional)
Stir to create a cohesive mixture.
3. Stuff the Chicken
- Spoon the filling evenly into each chicken breast pocket.
- Secure the opening with toothpicks to prevent leaking.
4. Sear the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the stuffed chicken and sear 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
5. Bake
- Transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Bake 15–18 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
6. Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with:
- Extra cranberries
- Fresh thyme
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze (highly recommended!)
Serve with roasted vegetables, wild rice, or a fresh salad.
Tips & Variations
- Extra Creamy Filling: Add more Brie or cream cheese.
- Brighter Flavor: Add lemon zest to the filling.
- Nutty Twist: Add 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower mash.