Description
This elegant Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie recipe combines tender chicken breasts stuffed with a flavorful mixture of fresh spinach, sweet dried cranberries, and creamy brie cheese. The chicken is seared to a golden brown and then baked to juicy perfection, finished with a luscious honey-balsamic glaze for a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. A delightful dish ideal for a special dinner that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, wild rice, or a crisp green salad.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Stuffing
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 4 oz brie cheese, sliced
Seasoning and Cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Glaze
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent the chicken from sticking during baking.
- Create Chicken Pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast without cutting all the way through, making space for the stuffing.
- Mix and Stuff: In a bowl, combine chopped fresh spinach, dried cranberries, and sliced brie cheese. Stuff this mixture evenly into each chicken breast pocket.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil. Then, evenly season with garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust. This helps lock in the juices before baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven or move the chicken to the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the chicken is baking, combine honey, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small saucepan. Heat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and drizzle the warm honey-balsamic glaze over the top. If toothpicks were used to secure the stuffing, carefully remove them before serving.
Notes
- Pair this dish with roasted vegetables, wild rice, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- Be careful when cutting the pockets in the chicken breasts to avoid slicing through and letting the stuffing fall out.
- Use an oven-safe skillet for searing and baking to reduce cleanup and keep the chicken juicy.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
- If dairy allergies are a concern, substitute brie with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 120mg