Description
This impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious filling of creamy brie cheese and a tangy cranberry sauce sweetened with honey and orange juice, spiced with cinnamon and ginger. Perfectly seared and baked to golden perfection with a crispy panko crust, this dish balances savory and sweet flavors, making it ideal for a special weeknight dinner or holiday meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Stuffing
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 ounces brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Cranberry Sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Coating and Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, honey, orange juice, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and black pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Prep the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast without cutting all the way through. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
- Stuff the Chicken: Divide the brie cheese and chopped fresh parsley between the two chicken breasts, placing the brie inside the pocket. Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce into the pocket over the brie, then close the pocket to encase the filling securely.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter in a shallow bowl. Press the stuffed chicken breasts into the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly on all sides.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step seals in juices and adds a crispy crust.
- Bake to Finish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice carefully and serve warm to enjoy the melty brie and vibrant cranberry sauce within.
Notes
- Be careful not to overstuff the chicken breasts to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
- Use fresh cranberries for the best texture and flavor; frozen can be used but may alter the sauce consistency.
- If brie rind is not preferred, trimming it off ensures a smoother filling experience.
- To check doneness, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
- This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a light green salad.