Description
Juicy chicken breasts filled with creamy brie, tart cranberries, and sautéed spinach—this Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie recipe is the perfect balance of savory and sweet. It’s elegant enough for entertaining, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The melty cheese and tangy cranberries create a festive, comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
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Ingredients
For the Stuffed Chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup dried cranberries (unsweetened or reduced sugar preferred)
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4 oz brie cheese, sliced (rind removed if desired)
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1 tsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried thyme
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for added depth)
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1 tbsp honey (optional, for balanced sweetness)
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Toothpicks or kitchen twine
For Garnish & Serving:
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Fresh thyme sprigs
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Drizzle of pan juices or balsamic glaze
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Roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic and chopped spinach, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
Stir in cranberries and thyme. Cook for another 30 seconds, then remove from heat.
Let the mixture cool slightly, then mix in brie slices.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Using a sharp knife, slice a horizontal pocket in each chicken breast (don’t cut all the way through).
Season inside and out with salt and pepper.
Optional: Rub the inside of each pocket with a little Dijon mustard and honey for added flavor.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
Divide the filling evenly between the chicken breasts, tucking it neatly inside each pocket.
Secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold everything in place.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat a drizzle of oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the stuffed chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Step 5: Bake to Finish
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove from oven and let rest under foil for 5 minutes before slicing.
Step 6: Serve & Garnish
Remove toothpicks or twine, then slice or serve whole.
Drizzle with pan juices or balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh thyme.
Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or wild rice.
Notes
Don’t Overstuff – Overfilling can cause the cheese to spill out during cooking.
Secure Tightly – Use toothpicks or tie with twine to keep the filling in place.
Use a Thermometer – Ensures chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out.
Choose Brie Wisely – A creamy, mild brie works best for melting and flavor balance.
Customize It – Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or swap cranberries for chopped dried apricots.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: American-European Fusion