AMAZING CRANBERRY SPINACH STUFFED CHICKEN BRIE

Tired of the same old chicken dinners? Imagine sinking your teeth into juicy chicken breasts, bursting with a creamy brie cheese, sweet-tart cranberries, and vibrant spinach—all in one delightful bite! This Cranberry Spinach Stuffed Chicken Brie recipe is your ticket to an exciting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy meal that’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters; I promise, you’ll be making this again and again!

Gather Your Goodies: The Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Stuffing:

• 4 ounces brie cheese, rind removed, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but adds a great crunch!)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Extra dried cranberries
• A drizzle of balsamic glaze

Getting Started: Prep Work is Key

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s get everything prepped and ready. Trust me, having all your ingredients measured and chopped will make the whole process smoother and more enjoyable. It’s like setting the stage for a culinary masterpiece!

Making the Magic Happen: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

1. Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound it to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes it easier to stuff. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; we’re going for tenderness, not perfection!
2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Crafting the Cranberry Spinach Brie Filling

1. In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the spinach to a medium bowl.
5. Add the cubed brie cheese, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts (if using) to the bowl with the spinach. Mix everything together until well combined. This is where the flavor party starts!
6. Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Stuffing the Chicken

1. Lay the chicken breasts flat on a clean surface.
2. Spoon about 1/4 of the cranberry spinach brie filling onto the center of each chicken breast.
3. Fold the sides of the chicken over the filling and secure with toothpicks. Don’t be shy with the toothpicks; we want to keep that delicious filling inside! Alternatively, you could roll the chicken up and secure it.

Step 4: Cooking to Perfection

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!
3. If the chicken starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat to medium.

Step 5: The Finishing Touches

1. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
2. Remove the toothpicks before serving.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra dried cranberries, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for Stuffed Chicken Success

• Don’t Overstuff: Resist the urge to pack too much filling into the chicken breasts. Overstuffing can make it difficult to close the chicken and may cause the filling to leak out during cooking.
• Use Quality Brie: The quality of the brie cheese will significantly impact the flavor of the dish. Opt for a good-quality, creamy brie for the best results.
• Get Creative with Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings based on your preferences. Other great additions include sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or different types of nuts. Consider making Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken for a fall-inspired twist.
• Baking Option: If you prefer baking, you can bake the stuffed chicken breasts in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if starting with cold chicken.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

This Cranberry Spinach Stuffed Chicken Brie is delicious served with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Roasted vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts)
• Quinoa or rice
• A simple green salad
• Mashed potatoes

Variations to Spice Things Up

• Cranberry Orange Twist: Add orange zest and a splash of orange juice to the cranberry spinach filling for a zesty twist. Or try making Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken if you like the combination of cranberry and orange! You could also make Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken.
• Different Greens: Swap out the spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor and texture.
• Cheese Swap: If you’re not a fan of brie, you can use cream cheese, goat cheese, or even a shredded cheese blend.

Storing Leftovers: Keep the Flavor Going

Leftover Cranberry Spinach Stuffed Chicken Brie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until heated through. You could even slice it up and add it to a salad for lunch the next day!

Other Chicken Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other favorite stuffed chicken recipes, such as Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts, or Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts which are both equally delicious! You might also like Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken, if you are looking for something more luxurious.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Deliciousness!

So, there you have it – a complete guide to making incredible Cranberry Spinach Stuffed Chicken Brie. With a little prep and these easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be serving up a restaurant-worthy meal in no time. Get ready for rave reviews and empty plates! Happy cooking, my friend!

Cranberry Spinach Stuffed Chicken Brie

Elevate your chicken dinner with this flavorful recipe! Juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with creamy brie, sweet-tart cranberries, and fresh spinach, creating a delightful and easy-to-make meal that’s sure to impress.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
• 4 ounces brie cheese, rind removed and cubed
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• Balsamic glaze optional

Equipment

• Cutting board
• Knife
• Plastic wrap
• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Medium skillet
• Medium bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large Skillet
• Meat thermometer
• Toothpicks
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound to 1/2 inch thickness.
2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
3. In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
5. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the spinach to a medium bowl.
7. Add the cubed brie cheese, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts (if using) to the bowl with the spinach.
8. Mix everything together until well combined.
9. Season the filling with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper to taste.
10. Lay the chicken breasts flat on a clean surface.
11. Spoon about 1/4 of the cranberry spinach brie filling onto the center of each chicken breast.
12. Fold the sides of the chicken over the filling and secure with toothpicks, or roll the chicken up.
13. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
14. Carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
15. Reduce the heat to medium if the chicken starts to brown too quickly.
16. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
17. Remove the toothpicks before serving.
18. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra dried cranberries, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if desired.

Notes

Don’t overstuff the chicken breasts. Use quality brie for the best flavor. Experiment with different fillings, such as sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes. For a baking option, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. Stuffed chicken can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.