Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken for a Festive Dinner

What transforms ordinary chicken breast into impressive holiday centerpiece that combines tart fruit, creamy cheese, and perfectly seasoned poultry in single elegant dish without requiring hours of preparation or advanced culinary training? The answer lies in butterflying chicken and filling it with melty brie and cranberry sauce that creates stunning presentation with every slice revealing beautiful swirl of festive colors. This cranberry brie stuffed chicken proves that holiday entertaining becomes effortless when simple techniques meet quality ingredients and thoughtful flavor combinations. The main dish recipe delivers perfect harmony where juicy chicken meets creamy brie and tart cranberries, allowing each component to contribute distinct character that creates ultimate festive dinner for Christmas gatherings, holiday parties, and special occasions deserving impressive presentation.

Ingredients List

For this cranberry brie stuffed chicken you’ll need boneless chicken breasts, quality brie cheese, cranberry sauce, and aromatic seasonings that combine creating elegant entrée.

For the Chicken:

• 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 8 ounces brie cheese, sliced (rind removed or left on)
• 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Pan Sauce:

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup white wine or additional broth
• 2 tablespoons whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Fresh thyme sprigs

For Garnish:

• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Additional dried cranberries
• Fresh thyme leaves

Timing

This cranberry brie stuffed chicken requires moderate preparation with straightforward cooking:

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 40-45 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Place chicken breasts on cutting board and pat completely dry with paper towels. Using sharp knife, cut horizontal pocket into thickest part of each breast, slicing almost through to other side but not completely, creating pocket for stuffing. Alternatively, butterfly the breasts by cutting horizontally and opening like a book. Season inside of each pocket generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 2: Stuff with Brie and Cranberry

Slice brie cheese into thin pieces, removing rind if preferred though it’s edible and melts nicely. Place 2 ounces brie slices inside each chicken pocket, followed by 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce spread evenly over cheese. Close chicken breast around filling and secure with toothpicks if needed to keep stuffing contained during cooking.

Step 3: Season the Exterior

Season outside of each stuffed chicken breast generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme, pressing seasonings into meat so they adhere properly. The cranberry brie stuffed chicken benefits from well-seasoned exterior that creates flavorful crust during searing.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until butter melts and foams. Place stuffed chicken breasts in pan, leaving space between each piece. Sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown crust develops on bottom, then carefully flip using spatula. Sear second side for 3-4 minutes until equally golden.

Step 5: Finish in Oven

Transfer skillet to preheated 375°F oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F when thermometer is inserted into thickest part of chicken, avoiding the cheese filling. The cranberry brie stuffed chicken should feel firm when pressed and juices should run clear when pierced.

Step 6: Make Pan Sauce and Serve

Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes while making sauce. Place skillet over medium heat, add chicken broth and wine, scraping up browned bits from bottom. Stir in additional cranberry sauce and simmer until slightly reduced. Swirl in butter for glossy finish. Slice the cranberry brie stuffed chicken crosswise to reveal beautiful filling, drizzle with pan sauce, and garnish with fresh herbs.

Nutritional Information

For a serving of this cranberry brie stuffed chicken, you’ll receive protein-rich holiday entrée with these approximate values:

• Calories: 425 per serving
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Sugars: 8g
• Total fat: 22g
• Saturated fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 135mg
• Sodium: 520mg
• Protein: 42g
• Calcium: 12% daily value
• Iron: 8% daily value
• Vitamin A: 10% daily value
• Vitamin B12: 25% daily value

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform your cranberry brie stuffed chicken into a lighter version with these modifications that reduce fat and calories:

• Low-fat brie: Use reduced-fat brie or substitute with goat cheese for fewer calories per serving
• Fresh cranberries: Replace canned cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries cooked with orange juice and minimal sugar
• Olive oil only: Eliminate butter and use only olive oil for cooking to reduce saturated fat
• Chicken thighs: Use boneless skinless thighs for juicier meat that requires less added fat
• Greek yogurt sauce: Replace butter-based pan sauce with Greek yogurt cranberry sauce for protein boost
• Spinach addition: Add handful of fresh spinach to stuffing for extra vegetables and nutrients
• Reduced cheese: Use only 1 ounce brie per breast instead of 2 for lighter version
• Air fryer method: Cook in air fryer at 375°F for crispier exterior with less oil needed
• Sugar-free cranberries: Use sugar-free cranberry sauce for diabetic-friendly modification

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your cranberry brie stuffed chicken experience with these creative presentation ideas:

• Serve the cranberry brie stuffed chicken sliced over bed of wild rice pilaf with extra pan sauce drizzled
• Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potato mash for complete holiday dinner plate
• Present whole on large platter surrounded by roasted vegetables for impressive family-style serving
• Accompany with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans almondine for classic holiday combination
• Serve alongside butternut squash risotto for elegant dinner party presentation
• Pair with crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that complements brie and cranberry
• Present individual portions on warmed plates with microgreens salad for refined plating
• Accompany with crusty bread to soak up delicious pan sauce
• Add side of additional cranberry sauce for guests who enjoy extra fruit flavor

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Master this cranberry brie stuffed chicken by avoiding these pitfalls that compromise texture and presentation:

• Overstuffing the chicken: Too much filling causes leaking during cooking and uneven results
• Not securing the pocket: Failing to close pocket properly allows cheese to escape and burn
• Skipping the sear: Missing initial browning step results in pale, unappetizing appearance
• Overcooking: Cooking beyond 165°F creates dry, tough chicken that ruins the dish
• Cold cheese: Room temperature brie melts more evenly than cold straight from refrigerator
• Cutting too soon: Slicing immediately after cooking causes filling to ooze out messily
• Thin chicken breasts: Using small breasts doesn’t provide adequate pocket depth for stuffing
• High oven temperature: Too hot oven browns exterior before interior cooks through
• Not resting meat: Skipping rest time causes juices to escape and results in dry chicken

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Preserve the freshness of your cranberry brie stuffed chicken with these strategies:

• Refrigerator storage: Store cooled leftover chicken in airtight container for up to 3 days
• Separate sauce: Keep pan sauce in separate container to prevent chicken from becoming soggy
• Gentle reheating: Warm in 325°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying out
• Slice before storing: Pre-slice leftovers for quicker reheating and easier meal prep portions
• Freezing option: Freeze unbaked stuffed chicken up to 2 months; thaw completely before cooking
• Meal prep assembly: Stuff chicken breasts day before and refrigerate until ready to cook
• Component storage: Store brie and cranberry sauce separately for later quick assembly
• Leftover ideas: Slice cold leftovers for sandwiches or chop for salad topping
• Sauce refreshing: Make fresh small batch of pan sauce when reheating for best flavor

Conclusion

This cranberry brie stuffed chicken combines juicy chicken breast with creamy melted brie and tart cranberry sauce, creating elegant holiday entrée through simple stuffing technique and careful cooking. Whether serving for Christmas dinner or special celebration, this dish delivers impressive presentation and sophisticated flavors that make guests feel honored.

Ready to impress your holiday guests? Try this cranberry brie stuffed chicken and share your experience in the review section or leave a comment on our blog!

FAQs

Can I use different cheese for cranberry brie stuffed chicken? Yes, camembert, goat cheese, or cream cheese work well as substitutes with slightly different flavor profiles and melting characteristics.

Should I remove the rind from the brie? Personal preference; the rind is edible and melts nicely, but removing it creates smoother, creamier filling texture.

Can I make cranberry brie stuffed chicken ahead of time? Stuff chicken up to 24 hours before cooking and refrigerate; bring to room temperature 20 minutes before searing.

What if my chicken breasts are too small for stuffing? Pound larger breasts to even thickness, or purchase thick-cut chicken breasts specifically for stuffing.

How do I know when cranberry brie stuffed chicken is done? Internal temperature should reach 165°F when measured in thickest part of chicken, avoiding the cheese filling.

Can I grill this instead of using oven? Yes, sear on hot grill then move to indirect heat side, closing lid to finish cooking through completely.

What sides pair best with cranberry brie stuffed chicken? Wild rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, green beans, or butternut squash complement the flavors beautifully.