Easy Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

This Easy Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breast is a festive, flavorful dish that pairs the juicy tenderness of baked chicken with a sweet-tart cranberry filling and creamy cheese. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to serve during the holidays or at a dinner party.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Holiday-Ready Flavors: Tart cranberries and creamy cheese bring festive flair to the dinner table.
• Elegant but Easy: Looks impressive, yet takes minimal effort to prepare.
• Customizable Filling: Swap in your favorite cheese or nuts to suit your taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Can be assembled in advance and baked when needed.
• One-Dish Wonder: Bakes in one pan for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 4 ounces brie cheese, sliced (or goat cheese or cream cheese)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and mix in dried cranberries.
3. Butterfly Chicken: Cut a pocket in the side of each chicken breast. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Stuff Chicken: Fill each pocket with spinach-cranberry mixture and slices of brie. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
5. Sear Chicken (Optional): For extra flavor, sear chicken breasts in a hot skillet with olive oil for 2 minutes per side until golden.
6. Bake: Place stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest and Serve: Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with herbs and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add Nuts: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Cheese Swap: Try goat cheese, mozzarella, or feta instead of brie.
• Use Chicken Thighs: Boneless thighs work well too—just adjust cooking time.
• Sweet Glaze: Drizzle with a balsamic glaze before serving for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap cooled chicken tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave in short bursts until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Stuff the chicken and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What side dishes pair well with this?

Try garlic mashed potatoes, wild rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before cooking.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Avoid overfilling and secure the pocket with toothpicks if needed.

What type of cranberries should I use?

Dried cranberries work best, preferably unsweetened or lightly sweetened.

Is brie the best cheese for this?

Brie melts beautifully, but goat cheese, cream cheese, or even mozzarella are great too.

Can I skip the searing step?

Yes. It adds flavor and color but is not essential.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—just ensure all ingredients, like cheese and seasoning blends, are gluten-free.

How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can I use chicken tenderloins?

Tenderloins are too small for stuffing, so opt for breasts or thighs.

Conclusion

Easy Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breast brings together sweet, savory, and creamy flavors in a beautiful dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just want something special for dinner, this recipe is a standout that delivers every time.

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