This festive and elegant dish features juicy chicken breasts stuffed with creamy brie cheese, sautéed spinach, and tart cranberries, all baked to perfection and topped with a cranberry glaze. It’s the perfect main course for holiday gatherings, offering a rich combination of flavors and textures that are sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken breasts, butterflied
- 1 cup fresh spinach, sautéed
- 100g brie cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh or dried cranberries (for stuffing)
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (for topping)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully butterfly each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Stuff the Chicken
Inside each chicken breast, place a layer of sautéed spinach, followed by slices of brie cheese, and a handful of cranberries. Fold the chicken breast over to enclose the filling and secure the pocket.
3. Sear the Chicken
In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
4. Bake
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the brie is melted.
5. Add Cranberry Topping
Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the oven and top each breast with a spoonful of cranberry sauce. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs.
6. Serve
Serve the chicken warm as an elegant, flavorful main course.
Helpful Tips
1. Butterfly Carefully
When butterflying the chicken breasts, be cautious not to cut all the way through. Creating a pocket allows the filling to stay in place during cooking, ensuring a perfect stuffed breast.
2. Secure with Toothpicks
If the stuffing starts to fall out while searing, use toothpicks to secure the chicken. Just be sure to remove them before serving.
3. Don’t Overfill
While it’s tempting to stuff the chicken to the brim, overstuffing can lead to cheese and cranberries spilling out during cooking. A moderate amount of filling will help the flavors blend together perfectly.
4. Preheat the Pan
Ensure that your skillet is preheated before searing the chicken breasts. A hot pan will create a beautiful golden crust, locking in the chicken’s natural juices.
Substitutions and Variations
1. Cheese Options
- Goat cheese can replace brie for a tangier flavor, while mozzarella offers a milder, melty alternative.
2. Greens
- If spinach isn’t to your taste, you can swap it out for kale or Swiss chard for a heartier filling.
3. Cranberries
- Dried cranberries provide a slightly sweeter taste, but you can also use pomegranate seeds for a burst of tartness and a festive pop of color.
4. Herbs
- Fresh rosemary or thyme can be added directly to the filling for an aromatic touch. Alternatively, garnish with fresh parsley for a lighter, herby finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I prepare these stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to sear and bake them.
2. What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries! Simply sear the chicken in a regular skillet, then transfer it to a baking dish before placing it in the oven.
3. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach works well for this recipe. Be sure to thaw it thoroughly and squeeze out any excess water to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
4. What can I use if I don’t have fresh cranberries?
Dried cranberries are an excellent substitute and will add a touch of sweetness. Alternatively, you can use cranberry sauce for a more traditional holiday flavor.
5. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
To ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Conclusion
Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie is a stunning and flavorful main course that’s perfect for any festive occasion. The combination of creamy brie, sautéed spinach, and tart cranberries, paired with the rich cranberry sauce topping, makes for a mouthwatering dish that will be the highlight of your holiday dinner. Try the variations and substitutions to tailor the dish to your preferences, and enjoy a meal that’s both elegant and delicious!