The holiday season brings a delightful mix of flavors and aromas, and nothing captures that festive spirit quite like Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Christmas. Picture juicy chicken breasts enveloping a luscious blend of creamy Brie and tart cranberries, all baked to golden perfection. The moment you cut into it, the cheese oozes out, sending your taste buds into a joyous frenzy.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken christmas</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use other cheeses instead of brie?
- How do I know when the chicken is done?
- Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish isn’t just about flavor; it’s about creating memories. I remember the first time I made this for my family’s holiday gathering. The looks on their faces as they took that first bite? Priceless! It quickly became our go-to dish for celebrations and cozy dinners alike.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is simple to prepare yet feels gourmet, impressing guests without stress
- The sweet-tart cranberry and rich Brie create a flavor explosion
- Visually stunning, it shines on any holiday table with its vibrant colors
- Versatile enough to serve during festive occasions or casual weeknights
I once served this at a friend’s ugly sweater party, and let me tell you, the laughter was only matched by the delighted gasps as everyone dove into the dish!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Brie Cheese: Opt for a soft, creamy Brie for that gooey center; trust me, it makes all the difference.
Cranberry Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought; either way, ensure it’s packed with tart flavor to balance the richness of the Brie.
Fresh Thyme: A sprinkle of fresh thyme elevates both flavor and aroma; it’s like giving your chicken a fragrant hug.
Olive Oil: A drizzle helps in browning and adds healthy fats; don’t skimp here!
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; always season your chicken liberally for maximum flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken christmas
Preparing this festive delight is easier than finding that one sock missing from your laundry load.
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure easy cleanup later.
Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Using a sharp knife, slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through; we want our stuffing safely tucked inside.
Add the Goodies Inside: Stuff each pocket generously with Brie cheese and cranberry sauce. Don’t be shy—the more cheese and cranberry, the merrier!
Season Generously: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken pockets. Season them well with salt and pepper on both sides. This is where you build foundational flavors for an unforgettable dish.
Bake Until Perfectly Cooked: Place stuffed chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish. Bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Serve with Style: Once baked, let them rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and watch as everyone falls in love with every bite!
As you savor each mouthful of this Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Christmas delight, you’ll find yourself transported back to those cherished memories of family gatherings filled with laughter and love—while simultaneously plotting when you can make it again!
You Must Know
- This delightful cranberry brie stuffed chicken is perfect for impressing guests during Christmas dinners
- The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a dish that’s not just tasty but also visually stunning
- Your kitchen will smell heavenly, making it a holiday favorite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in moisture, then bake it at 375°F until the cheese melts perfectly.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding walnuts or pecans for crunch, or swap cranberry sauce for fig jam for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your chicken breasts are evenly sized for consistent cooking
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness at 165°F
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy and flavorful
The first time I made cranberry brie stuffed chicken, my family couldn’t stop raving about it! They still ask me to make it every holiday season.
FAQ
Can I use other cheeses instead of brie?
Yes, you can substitute with goat cheese or cream cheese for different flavors.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it the day before and bake just before serving for best results.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is the ultimate holiday dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with creamy Brie and tart cranberries, all baked to perfection. This show-stopping entrée not only captivates your taste buds but also creates unforgettable memories around the dinner table. Simple yet elegant, this recipe is perfect for festive gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz Brie cheese, sliced
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create pockets, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff each pocket generously with slices of Brie cheese and cranberry sauce.
- Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Place the stuffed chicken in the baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast (170g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
