Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken

Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is a dish that combines tender chicken breasts with creamy brie cheese and tart cranberry sauce for a tasty and comforting meal. The chicken stays juicy…

By Ashley • October 12, 2025 • Reading time: 6 min

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Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is a dish that combines tender chicken breasts with creamy brie cheese and tart cranberry sauce for a tasty and comforting meal. The chicken stays juicy while the melty brie adds a smooth texture and the cranberries give a nice pop of sweet and tangy flavor.

I love making this recipe because it feels a bit fancy but is really simple to put together. Stuffing the chicken with brie and cranberries is my favorite part since it creates that perfect melty center. I sometimes add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to brighten it up even more.

This chicken works great served with a side of roasted veggies or a simple green salad. I find it’s a dish that everyone enjoys, especially during cozy dinners or holiday meals. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that looks impressive but doesn’t take forever in the kitchen, which is always a win in my book.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Using boneless, skinless breasts makes stuffing and cooking easier. If you prefer, turkey breast can be a great substitute for a leaner option.

Brie Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and adds creaminess. If you can’t find Brie, cream cheese or mozzarella work well too but with a milder flavor.

Cranberries: Dried cranberries give a nice chew and sweet-tart flavor. Fresh cranberries or a cranberry-orange relish can replace dried cranberries for a fresher bite.

Spinach: Adds color and freshness inside the chicken. You can swap it with kale or Swiss chard if you want a stronger leafy green flavor.

Nuts (Optional): Pecans or walnuts add crunch and a toasty nutty taste. Feel free to leave them out if you have allergies or prefer a softer texture.

How Do I Stuff and Cook Chicken Without Losing the Filling?

Making a good pocket inside the chicken breast and keeping the filling in can be tricky but here’s how I do it:

• Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a deep pocket without slicing through the chicken completely.
• Don’t overfill; leave enough chicken around the edges to seal the pockets well.
• Use toothpicks to securely close the openings and avoid leakage while cooking.
• Start by searing the chicken in a hot pan to seal the edges and lock in the filling before baking.
• Bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to make sure chicken is cooked but still juicy.

These steps help keep the creamy brie from melting out and the cranberries inside. It also gives a beautiful golden crust on the outside!

Equipment You’ll Need

• Oven-safe skillet – perfect for searing the chicken and finishing it in the oven without extra dishes.
• Sharp knife – essential for carefully cutting the chicken pockets without slicing through.
• Cutting board – provides a safe surface to prep your chicken and ingredients.
• Toothpicks – useful for securing the stuffed chicken so the filling stays inside while cooking.
• Meat thermometer – helps you check that the chicken is perfectly cooked without drying it out.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap brie for goat cheese for a tangier, creamier filling that pairs well with cranberries.
• Add chopped fresh thyme or rosemary inside the chicken for a fragrant herbal note.
• Include cooked bacon bits in the stuffing for a smoky, salty crunch.
• Replace cranberries with dried cherries or apricots for a different sweet-tart twist.

How to Make Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 4 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry preferred)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook, for a total of around 40 minutes. You’ll sear the chicken first and then bake it, finishing with a quick pan sauce. It’s a wonderfully simple recipe that’s perfect for a cozy dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully make a pocket in each chicken breast using a sharp knife, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season the chicken inside and out with salt and pepper.

2. Make the Filling:

In a small bowl, mix together the dried cranberries, minced garlic, and chopped nuts if you’re using them. Stuff each chicken breast with a layer of fresh spinach, several slices of Brie cheese, then a spoonful of the cranberry mixture. Use toothpicks to close each pocket if needed, so the filling stays inside while cooking.

3. Sear and Bake the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re a beautiful golden brown. Then, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (inside temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

4. Make the Pan Sauce and Serve:

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Place the skillet back on the stove over medium heat, and add the chicken broth and cranberry sauce. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes to make a savory, sweet sauce. Serve the chicken topped with this delicious sauce, and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a lovely presentation.

Enjoy your creamy, tangy, and juicy Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken – a dish that’s both elegant and easy to make!

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, but make sure the chicken breasts are fully thawed before stuffing and cooking. Thaw them safely in the refrigerator overnight for best results, then pat dry to remove excess moisture.

What Can I Substitute for Brie Cheese?

If you don’t have Brie, cream cheese or mozzarella are good alternatives that melt well. Goat cheese also works if you prefer a tangier flavor, though it won’t be as creamy as Brie.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the cheese melty and the chicken moist.

Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?

Absolutely! You can stuff the chicken breasts ahead of time and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes for easy meal prep when you’re short on time.