Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Let me tell you about this Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe that truly feels like a little festive magic on a plate. It’s that perfect blend of tart cranberries and creamy brie nestled inside juicy chicken breasts, making every bite a delightful surprise. I love serving this dish when I want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen—it’s elegant, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to pull off.
What makes this recipe stand out for me (and maybe for you too) is how the sweet and tangy cranberry filling plays so beautifully with the rich, melty brie. It’s the kind of dish that’s just as great for holiday dinners as it is for a cozy weekend meal. Trust me, once you try this Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe, it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a balance of juicy, creamy, tart, and savory flavors that really pop. Here’s a little shopping tip: pick the freshest cranberries you can find and a good quality brie—both make a big difference in the final taste.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose even-sized breasts for uniform cooking and easier stuffing.
- Olive oil: For searing chicken—it gives a nice golden color without overpowering the flavors.
- Fresh cranberries: They add a fresh tang and vibrant color; frozen can work, but fresh are best.
- Honey: Balances the tartness of cranberries with a natural sweetness.
- Orange juice: Adds citrus brightness and helps soften the cranberries as they cook.
- Ground cinnamon: A subtle warm spice that complements the cranberry and cheese beautifully.
- Ground ginger: Adds a little zing and depth to the cranberry sauce.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
- Brie cheese: Remove the rind so it melts effortlessly inside the chicken.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens and adds a fresh herbal note to the stuffing.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Gives a crunchy topping if you broil the chicken at the end.
- Butter: Melted and mixed into the breadcrumbs for a golden, crisp crust.
Variations
I love tweaking this Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe depending on the occasion. Feel free to customize it — that’s the fun of cooking after all!
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the cranberry mixture gives a surprising warmth that my husband adores.
- Nutty Crunch: Toss in some toasted pecans or walnuts with the breadcrumbs for extra texture and a hint of earthiness.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap the brie for a dairy-free cheese alternative and use olive oil instead of butter for the topping.
- Herb Twist: Try rosemary or thyme instead of parsley for a more fragrant herb profile.
How to Make Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Filling
In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, honey, orange juice, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 8–10 minutes. I like to stir gently so I don’t crush all the berries at once; a few bursts give that lovely texture. Set it aside to cool while you prep the chicken.
Step 2: Butterfly and Stuff the Chicken
Take each chicken breast and carefully butterfly it by slicing horizontally almost through but not all the way. You want to open it like a book. Season the inside with a pinch of salt and pepper, then generously spread the cranberry mixture and scatter chunks of brie and chopped parsley evenly inside. Fold the chicken back and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep all that delicious filling inside while cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Then, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top for a crunchy finish. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melty inside. A meat thermometer reading 165°F ensures perfect doneness.
How to Serve Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Garnishes
I usually garnish with some extra fresh parsley for color and a light drizzle of honey on top to echo the sweetness inside. If you want to get fancy, a few whole cranberries or a sprig of rosemary make it look extra festive and inviting.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Creamy mashed potatoes or a wild rice pilaf also complement the flavors while keeping the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or dinner parties, I slice the stuffed chicken breasts into medallions to showcase that gorgeous cranberry-brie center. Serving them stacked on a platter with some fresh herbs and a scattering of cranberries always gets compliments and makes the meal feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to remove any toothpicks before storing to keep things safe and convenient!
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed chicken before cooking—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the cooking instructions. Freezing works great if you want to prep ahead for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, I recommend warming leftovers in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15 minutes, to keep the chicken juicy and to preserve the breadcrumb crispness. Microwaving can make the coating soggy, so I avoid that when possible.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen cranberries for this Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before making the filling to avoid excess liquid. The flavor might be slightly less vibrant, but the dish will still be delicious.
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What if I don’t have brie cheese?
You can substitute with other soft cheeses like Camembert or Cream Cheese, though brie’s unique creaminess and mild flavor really shine here. Avoid harder cheeses, as they won’t melt the same way inside the chicken.
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How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Butterflying the chicken and stuffing it helps retain moisture, plus searing locks in juices. Cooking to a safe internal temperature of 165°F and not overbaking is key. Rest the chicken a few minutes after cooking to let juices redistribute.
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Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts to maintain that crunchy topping. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
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Is this Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s a fantastic meal prep option. You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time, refrigerate, then cook fresh when ready. Leftovers also reheat well, making lunches or dinners easy throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe is one of those gems I always return to when I want something special but straightforward. It never fails to wow guests or make a weeknight feel festive. Give it a try—I promise you’ll love the harmony of flavors, the juicy chicken, and that melty brie surprise inside. Cooking like this, with simple ingredients and a little extra love, is what keeps me excited about meal times, and I hope it does for you too!
Print
Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts stuffed with creamy brie cheese and a tangy-sweet cranberry mixture. Baked to perfection with a golden panko crust, it’s a delightful balance of savory and fruity flavors perfect for a special dinner or holiday meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Stuffing
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 ounces brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Cranberry Sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping and Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the cranberry sauce: In a small saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, honey, orange juice, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare chicken breasts: Carefully butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally to create a pocket without cutting all the way through. This will hold the stuffing.
- Stuff the chicken: Spoon the cranberry sauce into the pocket of each chicken breast, then evenly distribute the brie cheese pieces and chopped fresh parsley inside. Ensure the stuffing is well contained within the chicken.
- Prepare breadcrumb coating: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are well coated.
- Coat the stuffed chicken: Lightly brush the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil. Then press the panko breadcrumb mixture all over the outside to form an even coating.
- Bake the chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed and breaded chicken breasts on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the breadcrumb crust is golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra parsley and alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
- You can substitute dried cranberries if fresh are unavailable, but fresh will give the best tart flavor.
- Remove the rind from the brie to avoid an overly strong or chewy texture inside the chicken.
- Butter in the breadcrumb coating helps create a crisp and golden crust.
- To butterfly chicken breasts safely, use a sharp knife and take your time to avoid cutting through completely.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken without overcooking.
Keywords: stuffed chicken, cranberry brie chicken, baked chicken breast, holiday chicken recipe, panko crusted chicken
