Description
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with creamy brie cheese and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, then baked until golden and melty. This elegant dish looks fancy enough for holidays or dinner parties but is surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4–6 oz brie cheese, rind removed and sliced
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
Seasonings and Others
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Toothpicks (for securing)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh rosemary or thyme
- Extra cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Create Chicken Pockets: Slice a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast, careful not to cut all the way through. This creates the compartment for the stuffing.
- Season Chicken: Season both inside and outside of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme or rosemary for flavorful layers.
- Stuff Chicken: Fill each pocket with slices of brie cheese and approximately 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce, distributing the filling evenly.
- Secure Filling: Use toothpicks to close and secure the openings of the chicken breasts to keep stuffing inside during cooking.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until they reach a light golden color to lock in juices.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the greased baking dish and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating doneness.
- Serve: Remove toothpicks carefully, garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme and additional cranberry sauce if desired, then serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- You can substitute camembert for brie if needed.
- For extra flavor, drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or wild rice to complete the meal.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
