Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken – Savory, Sweet & Showstopping

There’s something magical about the moment you slice into a Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast — the creamy brie melts and mingles with tart cranberry sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors. It’s elegant enough for holidays and dinner parties, yet simple enough for a cozy weeknight meal.

This recipe turns ordinary chicken into a showstopping centerpiece. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are filled with melted brie, tart cranberries, and fragrant thyme, then baked until golden and bubbling. Each bite delivers the ultimate sweet-meets-savory combination — creamy, tangy, juicy, and completely irresistible.

If you’re searching for a festive recipe that feels gourmet but requires minimal effort, this stuffed chicken is your new go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-worthy presentation but made in under an hour.
• Balanced flavor: the creamy brie perfectly tempers the tart cranberries.
• Perfect for the holidays: it’s festive, colorful, and crowd-pleasing.
• Simple ingredients: pantry staples and a few fresh touches.
• Versatile pairing: pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

For the Stuffing

• 4 oz brie cheese, sliced
• ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• 1 clove garlic, minced

For the Pan Sauce (optional but highly recommended)

• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep pocket into the side of each breast without cutting through. Season inside and out with salt and pepper.
3. Stuff the Chicken:
   Place a few slices of brie, a spoonful of cranberry sauce, a sprinkle of thyme, and a little garlic inside each pocket. Secure the opening with toothpicks if needed.
4. Sear the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. (It will finish cooking in the oven.)
5. Bake to Perfection:
   Transfer seared chicken to the baking dish. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and cheese is melted.
6. Make the Pan Sauce (Optional):
   While the chicken bakes, deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
7. Finish and Serve:
   Remove the chicken from the oven and drizzle with the warm pan sauce. Garnish with fresh thyme and extra cranberry sauce if desired. Serve immediately.

Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken

Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and fresh thyme — a savory-sweet showstopper perfect for holidays or special dinners.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 380

Ingredients

  

Stuffed Chicken

• 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

Stuffing

• 4 oz brie cheese sliced
• 0.5 cup cranberry sauce whole berry style
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 clove garlic minced

Pan Sauce (optional)

• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Equipment

• Oven-safe skillet
• Sharp knife
• Toothpicks
• Tongs
• Baking dish

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
2. Slice a deep pocket into each chicken breast. Season inside and out with salt and pepper.
3. Fill each with brie, cranberry sauce, thyme, and garlic. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
4. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
5. Transfer to oven and bake 18–22 minutes, until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Deglaze pan with chicken broth, balsamic, honey, and Dijon. Simmer 5 minutes to reduce.
7. Serve chicken drizzled with pan sauce and extra cranberry sauce on top.

Notes

Can be prepped ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking. Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Flavor Story

This dish captures the essence of festive comfort food — combining creamy, fruity, and savory notes in perfect harmony. The brie adds a luxurious creaminess that melts into the juicy chicken, while the cranberry sauce provides that signature holiday tang. Thyme and garlic ground the flavors with a touch of rustic warmth.

Each forkful feels indulgent yet balanced — a delightful reminder that sophisticated doesn’t have to mean complicated.

Tips for Success

• Use a good melting brie: Creamy varieties like triple crème brie work beautifully.
• Secure the pockets: Use toothpicks or tie with kitchen twine to prevent filling from leaking.
• Don’t overstuff: A modest amount of filling ensures even cooking and a neat appearance.
• Sear first: Locks in flavor and gives the chicken that golden crust.
• Rest before slicing: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to keep it juicy.

Recipe Variations

1. Cranberry Goat Cheese Chicken: Replace brie with tangy goat cheese for a sharper flavor.
2. Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken: Add thin slices of apple to the filling for sweetness.
3. Bacon-Wrapped Version: Wrap the stuffed chicken in prosciutto or bacon before baking.
4. Herb Upgrade: Swap thyme for rosemary or sage for a wintery touch.
5. Spicy Cranberry Kick: Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside roasted potatoes, steamed asparagus, or garlic green beans.
• For a festive presentation, drizzle extra cranberry sauce and scatter fresh thyme on top.
• Pair with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or sparkling rosé for an elegant meal.
• Works beautifully as the main dish for Christmas dinner or Thanksgiving.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to prevent the cheese from separating.
• Freeze: Freeze before baking (unstuffed or stuffed) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

Nutritional Highlights

This recipe strikes a delicious balance between indulgence and nourishment.

• Protein-rich chicken keeps it filling and satisfying.
• Brie provides calcium and creamy texture.
• Cranberries bring antioxidants and vitamin C.
• Olive oil and thyme offer healthy fats and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Each serving delivers about 380 calories of pure comfort and elegance — without feeling heavy.

Fun Fact

The combination of brie and cranberries originates from French holiday cooking, where rich cheeses and fruit preserves are often paired to balance flavor and texture. This recipe translates that gourmet tradition into an easy, family-friendly meal you can enjoy year-round.

Perfect for the Holidays

Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken isn’t just a meal — it’s a centerpiece. It adds a gourmet flair to your dinner table without the stress of a complicated recipe. With its festive colors, melty cheese, and juicy, flavorful chicken, it’s destined to become your new holiday favorite.