Introduction

Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie is a delightful dish that combines savory and tart flavors in a juicy, tender chicken breast. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner yet easy enough for a weeknight meal. The creamy brie melts beautifully, complementing the sweetness of the cranberries and the earthiness of spinach.

Two pieces of herb-crusted stuffed chicken breasts sit on a white plate with fresh green spinach leaves underneath. Each chicken breast has a golden brown, slightly crispy outer layer speckled with black pepper and herbs. Inside, there are two visible layers: a creamy white melted cheese layer and a dark green spinach layer beneath it. The chicken is topped with glossy red cranberries and small sprigs of fresh green rosemary. There is a thin layer of shiny amber sauce around the chicken, adding a moist texture. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
½ cup dried cranberries
4 ounces brie cheese, sliced
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ cup chicken broth

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare the chicken breasts by placing them on a cutting board and cutting a pocket into the side of each breast.
Step 3: Season the inside and outside of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.
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.
Step 5: In a small bowl, mix together the sautéed spinach and dried cranberries.
Step 6: Stuff each chicken breast with equal portions of the spinach and cranberry mixture, followed by slices of brie cheese.
Step 7: Secure each chicken breast with toothpicks to ensure the filling stays inside during cooking.
Step 8: Heat the 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.
Step 9: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Step 10: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 11: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, try using cranberry sauce instead of dried cranberries.
Adjust seasonings according to your personal taste preferences to make it your own.
Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the stuffing for extra crunch.
If you don’t have brie, a creamy cheese like camembert or mozzarella works well as a substitute.
To keep the chicken moist, avoid overcooking and use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

The image shows two pieces of stuffed chicken breast on a white plate over a bed of green spinach leaves. Each chicken piece has a golden-brown, speckled outer layer seasoned with black pepper and herbs. Inside, there is a visible filling of white melted cheese and bright green spinach. The chicken is topped with shiny, deep red cranberries and garnished with a small sprig of green herbs. The plate has some glossy, brown sauce pooling around the chicken, adding a rich texture and shine. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries for this recipe?

Fresh cranberries can be used, but they are much more tart and contain more moisture. If using fresh, consider cooking them slightly beforehand or mixing with a bit of sugar to balance the tartness.

What can I use as a substitute for brie cheese?

Soft cheeses like camembert, mozzarella, or even a mild goat cheese make good substitutes that melt nicely and complement the other flavors.

Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 60 reviews

This Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie recipe offers a delightful combination of savory, creamy, and slightly sweet flavors wrapped in a juicy chicken breast. Perfect for a healthy and elegant dinner, this dish combines tender sautéed spinach, tart dried cranberries, and rich brie cheese, all baked to perfection for a luscious meal that will impress your guests or family.

Author: Dana
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

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
1/2 cup chicken broth

Stuffing

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

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken breasts.
Prepare chicken pockets: Place each boneless, skinless chicken breast on a cutting board and carefully cut a pocket into the side to create space for the stuffing.
Season chicken: Season both the inside and outside of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme to enhance the flavor.
Sauté spinach: In a pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil and add the fresh spinach leaves. Cook until the spinach is wilted, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Mix stuffing: Combine the sautéed spinach and dried cranberries in a small bowl, mixing well to evenly distribute the flavors.
Stuff chicken breasts: Fill each chicken breast pocket with an equal portion of the spinach and cranberry mixture, then layer slices of brie cheese on top inside the pocket.
Secure the filling: Use toothpicks to close each chicken breast, ensuring the stuffing remains inside while cooking.
Sear chicken: Heat the remaining olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear each stuffed chicken breast for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Add broth and bake: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet around the chicken breasts, then transfer the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before removing toothpicks and serving to allow juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.

Notes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
For an alternative sweet flavor, try substituting dried cranberries with cranberry sauce.
Adjust seasoning according to your personal taste preferences to enhance flavor.
For an added crunch, consider mixing in nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the stuffing.

Keywords: stuffed chicken, cranberry recipes, spinach recipes, Brie cheese, healthy dinner, easy chicken recipe