Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken: A Show-Stopping Dinner Party Recipe

Hosting a dinner party feels exciting—but let’s be honest, it can also feel intimidating.
I’ve been there: flipping through cookbooks, scrolling endless recipes, searching for something that feels impressive without locking me away in the kitchen all night.

One cold evening before a holiday gathering, I decided to experiment with chicken, brie, and cranberries. It sounded festive and elegant—but easy enough not to stress me out.
When my guests cut into that first piece of Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken and saw the creamy cheese and vibrant berries spill onto their plates, I knew I had found my new go-to.

This dish brings the wow factor without the complexity. It’s bold in flavor, beautiful in appearance, and secretly simple to prepare.

Whether you’re planning a big holiday party or just a cozy gathering with close friends, Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken will leave everyone impressed—and asking for seconds.

Key Benefits of Making Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken

• Elegant Yet Simple: You’ll create a visually stunning dish that feels gourmet without complicated steps.
  
• Flavor Balance: The creamy brie, tart cranberries, and juicy chicken deliver a blend of savory and sweet that’s irresistible.
  
• Prep-Friendly: You can stuff the chicken ahead of time and pop it into the oven when guests arrive.
  
• Versatile: It works for holidays, casual gatherings, or a romantic dinner at home.
  
• Minimal Ingredients: No long shopping list needed—most ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find.
  

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken

Full Ingredient List

(Optional extras: balsamic glaze, chopped nuts, honey drizzle for serving.)

How to Make Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Step-by-Step

this Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken for Stuffing

• Place chicken breasts on a cutting board.
  
• Using a sharp knife, cut a deep pocket horizontally into the thickest side of each chicken breast.
  Be careful not to cut all the way through—you’re creating a little “pouch.”
  
• Season inside the pocket and outside of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
  

Why Season Inside and Out?
It ensures every bite is flavorful, not just the outer surface.

Step 2: Stuff the Chicken

• Stuff each pocket with two or three slices of brie and a small handful of cranberries.
  
• Optionally, tuck in a few leaves of fresh spinach for added color and nutrition.
  
• Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to close each opening securely.
  

Tip:
Lightly press the filling down before securing to help it stay in place during cooking.

Step 3: Sear and Bake

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  
• In a large ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
  
• Place stuffed chicken breasts seam-side up in the skillet.
  
• Sear for about 3–4 minutes per side, turning carefully with tongs until golden brown.
  

Searing Tip:
Searing locks in juices and gives the chicken a gorgeous, appetizing crust.

• Once seared, transfer the entire skillet to the oven.
  
• Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the chicken registers 165°F (74°C) internally.
  

Step 4: Serve Beautifully

• Remove chicken from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
  
• Carefully remove toothpicks or twine.
  
• Slice each breast diagonally to reveal the melty brie and bright cranberries.
  

For extra flair, drizzle with balsamic glaze or sprinkle with chopped herbs like parsley or thyme.

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken

• Sweet and Savory Contrast: Every forkful delivers sweet, creamy, savory goodness.
  
• Perfect for All Seasons: Serve it for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, or a summer dinner party.
  
• Pairs with Simple Sides: No complicated pairings needed—simple rice or veggies work beautifully.
  
• Easy to Scale: Hosting a crowd? Just double the recipe and bake a few extra minutes.
  

Expert Tips for Success with Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken

• Don’t Skip Searing: It adds flavor and seals the edges, making it easier to keep the filling inside.
  
• Adjust Filling to Your Taste: Love it extra cheesy? Add more brie. Prefer less sweetness? Reduce cranberries slightly.
  
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee juicy chicken without overcooking.
  
• Let Rest Before Cutting: Resting allows juices to redistribute, preventing dry meat.
  

Flavor Variations and Serving Suggestions

Flavor Variations

• Cranberry Walnut: Add finely chopped walnuts for a nutty crunch inside the stuffing.
  
• Maple Balsamic Drizzle: Finish with a drizzle of maple syrup blended with balsamic vinegar.
  
• Savory Sage Version: Replace thyme with finely chopped fresh sage for a deeper, woodsy flavor.
  

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken with:

• Wild rice pilaf with herbs and toasted almonds.
  
• Garlic mashed potatoes with chives.
  
• Roasted Brussels sprouts caramelized with a touch of honey.
  
• Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh counterpoint.
  

Drink Pairing Ideas:
A glass of chardonnay or pinot noir complements the creamy, fruity notes of the chicken beautifully.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Store: Refrigerate cooled stuffed chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  
• Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven covered with foil to retain moisture, about 15–20 minutes.
  
• Freeze: Assemble the stuffed breasts (uncooked), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
  Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
  

Freezer Tip: Mark with labels so you know whether they’re pre-cooked or raw before thawing.

Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, approximate)

(Nutrition varies based on the brand of cheese and quantity of cranberries used.)

FAQs About Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken

Can I use frozen cranberries for Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken?

Yes. Thaw and sauté them briefly first to remove excess moisture and prevent the filling from getting watery.

How do I prevent the brie from leaking out during baking?

Secure the pocket well with toothpicks or twine and avoid overstuffing. A gentle sear also helps seal the edges.

Can I make Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! Stuff the chicken, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. Bake when ready to serve.

What sides go best with Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken?

Simple sides like roasted asparagus, creamy polenta, or a crisp salad enhance without overwhelming the flavors.

Can I grill Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken instead of baking it?

Yes, but be cautious! Grill over indirect heat and watch carefully to avoid cheese leaks. Baking gives more control.

Conclusion: Impress Your Guests with This Easy, Elegant Dish

Few dishes strike the balance between simple preparation and elegant results as beautifully as Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken.
It’s festive without being fussy, flavorful without being complicated, and so versatile you’ll find yourself turning to it all year long.

Every time I slice into one of these stuffed chicken breasts and see the gooey brie oozing around those ruby cranberries, I feel like I’m offering a gift to my guests—a gift of comfort, flavor, and celebration.

Make it for your next gathering. Make it just because.
Either way, be prepared for clean plates and big smiles.

Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken: A Show-Stopping Dinner Party Recipe

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• Author: Sarah Mendez
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is a gourmet-style dish that’s surprisingly simple to make. Tender chicken breasts are filled with creamy Brie cheese and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, then seared and baked to perfection for an elegant dinner that’s bursting with flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 oz Brie cheese, sliced
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Toothpicks or kitchen twine (for securing)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Carefully slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast without cutting all the way through.
3. Stuff each pocket with 1 oz of Brie cheese and about 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce.
4. Secure the openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
5. Season the outside of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F or 74°C).
9. Remove from oven, let rest for a few minutes, then remove toothpicks or twine before serving.

Notes

• You can use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce, but whole berry works best for texture.
• Make sure to secure the chicken well to prevent the filling from leaking out.
• Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Try using a sharp knife to make the pocket to avoid tearing the chicken.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 410mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 48g
• Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken, stuffed chicken breast, gluten-free dinner, holiday chicken recipe