Introduction
Cranberry and spinach stuffed chicken breasts with Brie are the perfect example of a dish that feels sophisticated while still being very achievable at home. This recipe combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy filling and just the right balance of sweet and savory flavors. I often make this dish when I want something that looks impressive on the plate but does not require complicated techniques. The Brie melts beautifully inside the chicken, creating a luxurious texture, while the cranberries add brightness and contrast. Spinach brings freshness and balance, keeping the dish from feeling too heavy. Whether you are cooking for guests, planning a special dinner, or simply want to elevate a weeknight meal, this stuffed chicken recipe delivers flavor, texture, and presentation in one reliable dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe feels restaurant-worthy but is simple to prepare. The chicken stays juicy, the filling is creamy and well-balanced, and the combination of flavors is both comforting and elegant. It works well for special occasions and can still fit into a practical home-cooking routine.
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Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie That Are Elegant and Flavor-Rich
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with creamy Brie cheese, sweet-tart cranberries, and fresh spinach, then baked to perfection for an elegant and flavorful main dish.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 600 g)
- 120 g Brie cheese, sliced
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzle)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast.
- Season the chicken breasts inside and out with salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- In a bowl, combine chopped spinach, dried cranberries, and minced garlic.
- Stuff each chicken breast with Brie slices and the spinach-cranberry mixture.
- Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the stuffed chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
- Transfer chicken to the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted.
- Drizzle with honey if desired and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Remove toothpicks before serving.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
- You can substitute dried cherries for cranberries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts serve as the base of the dish. When butterflied and stuffed, they cook evenly and remain juicy while holding the filling securely.
Brie Cheese
Brie adds a creamy, rich texture and mild flavor that melts beautifully inside the chicken, creating a luxurious filling.
Fresh Spinach
Spinach adds freshness and color, balancing the richness of the cheese and contributing a light, earthy note.
Dried Cranberries
Cranberries bring a sweet-tart contrast that brightens the dish and pairs especially well with Brie.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the savory depth of the filling without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is used for sautéing the spinach and searing the chicken, adding flavor and preventing sticking.
Salt
Salt enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and filling components.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds gentle warmth and balance to the overall seasoning.
Paprika
Paprika adds subtle warmth and color to the chicken exterior.
Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning contributes mild herbal notes that complement the filling.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 190°C. Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Add spinach and cook just until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in dried cranberries.
Place slices of Brie inside each chicken pocket, followed by the spinach and cranberry mixture. Secure the openings with toothpicks if needed.
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, cooking time is 25 minutes, and resting time is 5 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at low temperature to maintain moisture and texture.
Variations and Customizations
This stuffed chicken recipe is easy to adapt. You can substitute Brie with Camembert or cream cheese for a slightly different flavor profile. If you prefer a savory version, replace cranberries with sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms. Adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans can provide extra texture.
For a lighter version, reduce the amount of cheese slightly and increase the spinach. You can also prepare this dish ahead of time by stuffing the chicken and refrigerating it until ready to cook, making it convenient for entertaining.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 460 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbs | 14 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do not overstuff the chicken to ensure even cooking.
Let the filling cool slightly before stuffing for better handling.
Secure chicken well to prevent cheese from leaking.
Allow chicken to rest before slicing to keep juices inside.
FAQs
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can stuff the chicken up to a day in advance and refrigerate.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before using.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken should be fully opaque and cooked through.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Boneless thighs can be used, but cooking time may vary.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad work well.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You would need to replace Brie with a dairy-free alternative.
Will the Brie melt completely?
Yes, it becomes soft and creamy inside the chicken.
Can I add sauce?
A light pan sauce or balsamic glaze pairs beautifully.
Is this suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is elegant and visually impressive.
Conclusion
Cranberry and spinach stuffed chicken breasts with Brie offer a beautiful balance of creamy, savory, and sweet flavors in one elegant dish. Easy to prepare yet impressive to serve, this recipe is perfect for special dinners, holidays, or anytime you want to turn simple ingredients into something memorable.
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