Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cranberry and Brie

1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into the thickest part of each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through; you want to create a pocket to stuff the filling into.
• Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Set them aside.

2. Make the Cranberry and Brie Filling

• In a small bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, brie cheese, and fresh thyme leaves. Mix until well combined.
• Stuff the chicken breasts with the cranberry and brie mixture. Be sure to pack the filling in gently, but don’t overstuff, as it can cause the chicken to tear during cooking.

3. Sear the Chicken

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet.
• Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step adds flavor and creates a beautiful crust, which locks in the juiciness of the chicken.

4. Bake the Chicken

• Once the chicken is browned, add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted inside the pockets.

5. Make the Glaze (Optional)

• While the chicken is baking, prepare the optional glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. This glaze adds a tangy sweetness that complements the dish perfectly.

6. Serve the Chicken

• Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This ensures the juices stay locked in and keeps the chicken moist.
• Slice the chicken breasts into medallions and drizzle the optional balsamic glaze over the top. Garnish with a little extra thyme or fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cranberry and Brie

1. Use High-Quality Brie: The brie cheese plays a major role in this dish, so use a good-quality brie for the best flavor. A ripe brie will melt beautifully and add a luxurious, creamy texture to the filling.
2. Pre-cook the Filling: If you prefer a slightly firmer filling, you can gently warm the cranberry sauce and brie together in a pan before stuffing it into the chicken. This will help the cheese melt more easily.
3. Pound the Chicken: If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider gently pounding them to an even thickness before stuffing. This helps them cook more evenly and reduces the risk of overcooking the outer layers while waiting for the filling to cook through.
4. Try Different Fillings: If you want to experiment, try swapping out the cranberry sauce for fig jam, or use a mix of cheeses like goat cheese or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
5. Serve with Sides: This stuffed chicken pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad. You can also serve it with some wild rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cranberry and Brie

Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cranberry and Brie is a perfect dish for when you want something both special and easy to make. The rich and creamy brie melts inside the chicken breast, creating a luxurious filling, while the cranberry sauce adds a burst of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress guests and satisfy the whole family.

With minimal prep and cook time, this dish allows you to create a gourmet meal that tastes like it came from a five-star restaurant. The sweet and savory combination of flavors is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for festive occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a special Sunday dinner.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an easy yet elegant dinner, Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cranberry and Brie is the perfect choice. It’s flavorful, rich, and the perfect way to showcase simple ingredients in a sophisticated way. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it as a weeknight treat, this dish will quickly become one of your favorites.

Try it tonight, and enjoy the incredible flavors of tender chicken, melty brie, and tangy cranberry all in one bite!