Name: Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and sliced; ¼ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried thyme; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy this recipe because it delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The combination of savory chicken, melted Brie, and cranberry sauce feels festive and comforting at the same time. I also like that it cooks quickly and uses one pan, which makes cleanup simple and stress-free.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and sliced
1/4 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). I carefully slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through.

In a small bowl, I mix the garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. I season both the inside and outside of the chicken with this mixture so every bite is flavorful.

I stuff each chicken breast with slices of Brie and a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce. To keep everything inside while cooking, I secure the opening with toothpicks.

I heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, until it develops a golden-brown crust. Once seared, I transfer the skillet directly to the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

After removing the skillet from the oven, I let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. I remove the toothpicks, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

I get 2 servings from this recipe.
Prep time is approximately 15 minutes.
Cook time is about 25 minutes.
Total time comes to around 40 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap cranberry sauce for fig jam or raspberry preserves when I want a different sweet contrast. When I feel like adding more depth, I tuck a few fresh thyme leaves or chopped walnuts inside the chicken. For extra richness, I occasionally finish the dish with a light drizzle of pan juices over the top.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer warming the chicken gently in the oven at a low temperature to keep it moist and prevent the cheese from leaking out too quickly.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

I sometimes stuff the chicken a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to cook.

How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

I make sure not to overfill the chicken and always secure it well with toothpicks.

Can I use a different cheese?

I like Brie best, but I’ve also used Camembert or mozzarella with good results.

What sides pair well with this chicken?

I usually serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.

How do I know the chicken is done?

I rely on a meat thermometer and remove the chicken once it reaches 165°F internally.

Conclusion

I find this Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken to be a perfect balance of simple preparation and impressive presentation. It’s rich, flavorful, and ideal for both special occasions and cozy dinners at home, making it a recipe I come back to again and again.