Zesty Cranberry Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts With Brie Recipe

Crafting a delectable cranberry spinach stuffed chicken breasts with brie promises a culinary adventure that will spark excitement in your kitchen.

Ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that blend sweet and savory notes perfectly.

Soft brie melts into tender spinach, while cranberries add a delightful burst of tangy brightness.

Each bite reveals layers of complexity that surprise and delight your palate.

Elegant yet simple, this dish transforms an ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience without complicated techniques.

Crisp edges of golden chicken reveal a creamy, luscious interior that beckons you to savor every single morsel.

Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds celebrate a truly memorable meal.

Stuffed Chicken With Cranberry And Spinach Magic

• Culinary Adventure Calls: Dive into a gourmet experience that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece with minimal cooking skills required.
• Flavor Explosion Guaranteed: Combine sweet cranberries, creamy brie, and earthy spinach for a taste profile that surprises and delights every single bite.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this elegant dish in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families seeking a nutritious and impressive meal without complex techniques.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Suitable for special occasions or casual dinners, this recipe impresses guests while keeping preparation stress-free and enjoyable.

Ingredients Needed For Cranberry Spinach Chicken Breasts

• Chicken Breasts: A lean protein that serves as the base for this delicious stuffed dish.

• Spinach: A nutrient-rich green that adds earthy flavor and moisture to the chicken filling.
• Dried Cranberries: Sweet and tangy berries that provide a burst of fruity flavor to the stuffing.
• Brie: A creamy French cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich, smooth texture to the filling.

• Olive Oil: A healthy oil that helps create a golden, crispy exterior and adds moisture to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: A convenient spice that provides a deep, savory flavor to the dish.
• Thyme: An aromatic herb that adds a subtle, earthy note to the chicken.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

• Honey, Balsamic Vinegar, Dijon Mustard: A combination of sweet, tangy, and sharp ingredients that create a complex and delicious glaze for the chicken.

Steps For Cranberry And Spinach Stuffed Chicken Perfection

Step 1: Preheat Cooking Station

Warm up your oven to a cozy 375F (190C).

Grab a baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Craft Chicken Pockets

Gently slice a hidden pocket into the side of each chicken breast.

Move your knife carefully, keeping the edges intact so the filling stays snug inside.

Step 3: Create Delicious Filling

• Fresh chopped spinach
• Sweet dried cranberries
• Creamy brie cheese slices

Stuff this delightful mixture generously into the chicken breast pockets.

Step 4: Season with Flavor

Massage the chicken breasts with a drizzle of olive oil.

• Garlic powder
• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Sear and Bake

Heat a skillet and quickly sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side to lock in those incredible flavors.

Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Ensure the internal temperature hits 165F for perfect doneness.

Step 6: Whip Up Tangy Glaze

• Golden honey
• Rich balsamic vinegar
• Zesty Dijon mustard

Simmer until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 7: Final Touch

Drizzle the glossy glaze over the chicken.

Remove any toothpicks if you used them to secure the pockets.

Serve hot and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Tips For Juicy Cranberry Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts

• Select crisp spinach leaves and high-quality brie for maximum flavor and texture in your stuffed chicken.
• Make the chicken breast pocket carefully with a sharp knife, ensuring even thickness to prevent tearing and uneven cooking.
• Add cranberries and brie sparingly to prevent overstuffing, which can cause filling leakage during baking.
• Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches exactly 165F for safe and juicy results, avoiding overcooking.
• Assemble stuffed chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld before cooking.

Flavorful Variations For Stuffed Chicken Breasts Tonight

• Vegetarian Tofu Swap: Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu, pressing out moisture and cutting into thick slices. Use same stuffing and cooking method for a plant-based alternative.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Substitute brie with feta cheese. Add chopped fresh oregano and basil to filling. Use Greek olive oil and sprinkle za'atar seasoning on exterior for extra flavor.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Remove cranberries. Replace with chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Use almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs if needed. Increase cheese quantity for higher fat content.
• Dairy-Free Option: Switch brie with dairy-free cashew cheese. Use coconut oil instead of olive oil. Keep remaining seasonings consistent with original recipe for similar taste profile.

Serving Stuffed Chicken Breasts With Brie Cheese

• Elegant Plating Panache: Arrange chicken breasts on a white ceramic plate, drizzle glaze artfully, and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad featuring candied pecans and light vinaigrette to complement the rich chicken flavors.
• Wine Companion: Select a chilled Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the sweet-savory notes of the cranberry and brie stuffed chicken.
• Hearty Accompaniment: Serve alongside roasted rosemary potatoes or quinoa pilaf to create a complete, satisfying meal that balances protein and texture.

Storing Cranberry Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Best

• Seal leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags, storing for up to 2 months without compromising flavor.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Warm chicken in a preheated 350F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the filling from falling out when stuffing the chicken?

Use toothpicks to secure the opening after stuffing, ensuring the brie, spinach, and cranberries stay inside during cooking.

• Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?

Yes, but first thaw and thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture to prevent a watery filling that might make the chicken soggy.

• What if I don't have brie cheese?

Substitute with similar soft cheeses like camembert or goat cheese for a comparable creamy texture and rich flavor.

• How can I tell if the chicken is properly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C), which ensures the chicken is safely cooked through without being dry.

Cranberry Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts With Brie Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cranberry spinach stuffed chicken breasts with brie bring gourmet elegance to weeknight dinners. Crisp spinach, melting brie, and tart cranberries create a symphony of flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Filling Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (118 ml) fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/3 cup (53 g) dried cranberries
• 4 ounces (113 g) brie cheese, sliced

Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center. Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing or lining with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Carefully create a horizontal pocket in each chicken breast, slicing almost through but leaving one side intact to maintain a sealed edge.
3. Combine finely chopped spinach, diced dried cranberries, and crumbled brie cheese in a mixing bowl. Gently stuff the mixture into the chicken breast pockets, ensuring even distribution.
4. Massage the chicken breasts with olive oil, then generously sprinkle with garlic powder, dried thyme, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper for enhanced flavor.
5. In a hot skillet, sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side to develop a golden-brown crust and seal in the juices.
6. Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish and roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
7. While the chicken bakes, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small saucepan. Simmer the mixture over medium heat until it slightly thickens and becomes glossy.
8. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes. Drizzle with the prepared glaze and remove any toothpicks used to secure the stuffing.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts with even thickness for consistent cooking and easier stuffing.
• Carefully slice chicken pocket without cutting through, ensuring filling stays inside during cooking.
• Use fresh spinach and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent soggy filling and maintain stuffing texture.
• Soften brie cheese slightly at room temperature for easier spreading and more even distribution in chicken pocket.
• Avoid overstuffing chicken to prevent filling from leaking during searing or baking process.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help create a perfect golden-brown exterior when searing.
• Check internal temperature with meat thermometer for precise doneness and food safety.
• Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg