This Creamy Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is a delicious treat that hits all the right notes! Juicy chicken breasts are filled with rich brie cheese and sweet-tart cranberries.
It’s like a party in your mouth! I love serving this dish with some simple veggies on the side. Who knew chicken could be so fancy and fun? Your dinner guests will be impressed!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for stuffing. If you want, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier result. You might also try turkey breasts if you’re looking for a leaner option!
Brie Cheese: This creamy cheese adds a rich flavor. If you can’t find brie, cream cheese alone works fine. Other soft cheeses like Camembert could give you a similar taste and texture.
Cranberries: Dried cranberries lend sweetness and texture. If those aren’t available, any dried fruit you love can work, such as chopped apricots. Fresh cranberries add a tangy kick but may need some sweetening.
Thyme: Dried thyme gives great flavor. Fresh thyme can be substituted, or you could explore other herbs like rosemary or sage, which also pair beautifully with chicken.
How Do You Stuff Chicken Breasts without Making a Mess?
Stuffing chicken breasts can feel tricky, but it’s simple with a few tips. First, make sure you have a sharp knife to create a pocket without cutting all the way through.
- Start by cutting a small slit in the thickest part of the chicken breast.
- Work slowly, moving the knife in a gentle rocking motion to form a pocket.
- Use a spoon or your fingers to help fill the pocket with the creamy mixture. If it spills out, don’t worry; just pack in as much as you can.
- Secure the opening with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling from escaping while cooking.
This technique keeps the delicious filling inside, resulting in juicy, flavorful chicken every time!
Creamy Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz brie cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or fresh cranberries, chopped)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
For Cooking:
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to cook. Overall, you can have a delicious meal ready in less than an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for your chicken once it’s stuffed!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Using a sharp knife, gently cut a pocket into the thick side of each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through. You want to create a nice cavity for all the yummy filling!
3. Mix the Filling:
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sliced brie, and dried cranberries. Stir until everything is well blended and creamy!
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Take your mixture and stuff each chicken breast, filling each pocket generously. If the filling starts to spill out, don’t worry! You can use toothpicks to secure the pockets if needed, so everything stays inside during cooking.
5. Season the Chicken:
Season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. This adds flavor to the chicken skin.
6. Brown the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Cook the Chicken:
Carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts into the skillet. Allow them to brown on each side for about 3 minutes. This step adds a lovely golden color to your chicken.
8. Add Broth and Bake:
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet around the chicken. Then transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
9. Rest and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven (careful, it’s hot!). Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Then, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy cranberry brie stuffed chicken warm and enjoy the delightful flavors! It’s perfect for a special dinner or a cozy weeknight meal.
FAQ for Creamy Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to fully thaw them before starting the recipe. The best way to thaw chicken is to place it in the fridge overnight or run it under cold water in a sealed bag for faster thawing.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover stuffed chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until heated through, being careful not to dry it out.
Can I Substitute Other Cheeses?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of brie, you can use other cheeses like goat cheese, feta, or cream cheese alone. Each offers a different flavor profile, so feel free to get creative!
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken breasts by stuffing them and then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before baking for even cooking.