Description
Chicken Stuffed with Brie, Spinach & Cranberries is an elegant yet simple dish featuring juicy chicken breasts filled with creamy brie, sautéed fresh spinach, and tart dried cranberries. This flavorful and colorful meal is quick to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or festive occasions, combining gourmet ingredients with comforting home cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into chunks or slices
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for garnish and flavor)
Instructions
- Prep the filling: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and cook until just wilted. Stir in dried cranberries, then remove from heat and let cool slightly. Mix in chunks or slices of brie cheese, maintaining some creamy texture.
- Prepare the chicken: Place chicken breasts flat on a cutting board and carefully cut a horizontal slit through each breast creating a pocket for the filling without cutting all the way through. Season inside and out with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the chicken breasts: Spoon the spinach, brie, and cranberry filling into each chicken pocket without overfilling. Secure the openings with toothpicks if necessary.
- Cook the chicken: Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place stuffed chicken breasts seam side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook an additional 4-5 minutes. Transfer skillet to preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve: Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to keep juices locked in. Remove toothpicks carefully, slice diagonally to reveal filling, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife to create the chicken pockets safely and precisely.
- Do not overstuff the chicken to avoid tearing or leaks during cooking.
- Secure openings with toothpicks to keep stuffing intact.
- Let the cooked chicken rest to retain moisture and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly without drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg