If you are looking to impress your family or friends with a dish that bursts with flavor and a touch of elegance, this Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe is the perfect choice. It beautifully combines tender chicken breasts, creamy brie, sharp provolone, and tangy dried cranberries for a deliciously festive meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes—from the golden breadcrumb crust to the melty cheese and sweet cranberries inside—making it a true crowd-pleaser any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to delivering the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and a gorgeous presentation. Each one works beautifully to create the mouthwatering and colorful layers that make this dish so special.
- 3 boneless chicken breasts (halved): The star protein, perfect for stuffing once pounded thin for tenderness.
- ¾ teaspoon salt, divided: Enhances and balances all the flavors inside and out.
- ½ teaspoon pepper, divided: Adds a subtle kick to season the chicken just right.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder, divided: Brings a warm, savory note that complements the cheese and cranberries.
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp provolone cheese: Provides a rich, tangy depth that pairs beautifully with the brie.
- ¼ pound of brie cheese: The creamy, melty heart of the stuffing that brings indulgence to every bite.
- 6 tablespoons craisins or dried cranberries, plus extra for garnish: A burst of sweet and tart flavor that brightens up the dish.
- ½ cup olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps the breadcrumbs turn golden and crispy.
- 1 ½ cups plain breadcrumbs (Progresso recommended): Adds the perfect crunchy exterior to seal the delicious stuffing.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional garnish): A fresh pop of green to brighten the plate and balance flavors.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets
Begin by trimming any excess fat from your chicken breasts with kitchen scissors. Then, slice each breast in half lengthwise to create six thin cutlets—a perfect canvas for stuffing. Pounding them gently between plastic wrap to about ¼ inch thickness not only tenderizes the chicken but also makes it easier to roll up with the stuffing. Use a skillet, mallet, or rolling pin and a spatula to lift them carefully, as they become very delicate at this stage.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Season both sides of each cutlet evenly with half of your salt, pepper, and garlic powder. These spices will infuse the protein with subtle, savory layers of flavor that marry perfectly with the rich cheeses and sweet cranberries inside.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
Shred the sharp provolone carefully, as its bold flavor is crucial to the distinctive cheesy punch of this dish. Next, slice the brie into 2” by 1” pieces, around ¼” thick—small enough to fit comfortably inside the chicken without overpowering or making rolling difficult. Have your craisins ready in a small ramekin, so assembly flows smoothly.
Step 4: Set Up for Assembly
Pour olive oil into one shallow bowl and place plain breadcrumbs in another. This will make the coating process quick and neat, ensuring the chicken gets a deliciously crispy outer shell.
Step 5: Assemble the Chicken Rolls
Dip each chicken cutlet into the olive oil, coating one side, then let the excess drip off. Press the oily side down into the breadcrumbs to get an even, crunchy layer. In the center of each, layer two slices of brie, a generous handful of shredded provolone, and about a tablespoon of craisins. Roll or fold the chicken up tightly to enclose the filling, then sprinkle a bit more breadcrumbs on top for thorough coverage. Arrange the rolls in a baking dish, ready for the oven.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the stuffed chicken in a 400-degree oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165 degrees. Because ovens vary, keep an eye out and test with a meat thermometer. After baking, switch to the broiler for a few minutes to brown the breadcrumbs beautifully, adding irresistible color and crunch.
Step 7: Garnish and Rest
While baking, chop fresh parsley for garnish if desired. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to settle and make slicing easier. This finishing step not only improves the taste but also makes the presentation pop when arranged on a platter with extra craisins and parsley.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra dried cranberries on top add vivid color and a fresh herbal note that enhances the overall dish. These simple touches make the dish look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with bright, seasonal vegetables like sautéed carrots or steamed broccoli. Their earthy freshness provides a lovely contrast, balancing the richness of the cheese-filled chicken perfectly. Roasted potato wedges or a simple green salad would also complement this meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider slicing each stuffed chicken roll in half before plating to showcase the gorgeous, cheesy, cranberry-studded layers inside. Serving on a rustic wooden board with scattered parsley and cranberries creates a festive, inviting look that invites guests to dig right in and savor every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover cranberry brie stuffed chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken moist and the flavors fresh so you can enjoy a delicious meal later without any hassle.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked chicken rolls by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Stored this way, they remain good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes to restore the crispy breadcrumb coating and warm the cheese filling without drying out the chicken. Avoid microwaving when possible to keep the texture intact and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of brie or provolone?
Yes! While brie and sharp provolone provide a fantastic flavor combination, you can experiment using mozzarella for creaminess or gouda for a smokier twist. Just be mindful of how the cheese melts and complements the cranberries.
What if I don’t have kitchen scissors to trim the chicken?
No worries! A sharp kitchen knife works just as well for trimming excess fat from the chicken breasts. Just take care to avoid cutting too much meat.
Are fresh cranberries a good substitute for dried ones?
Fresh cranberries are much tarter and contain more water, so they’ll change the moisture content of the stuffing. If using fresh, consider cooking them down slightly with a bit of sugar to mimic the sweet tartness of dried cranberries or craisins.
Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the plain breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative, such as crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour, to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing texture.
How can I make this recipe ahead for a dinner party?
Assemble the chicken rolls and place them in the baking dish covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake just before serving. This approach saves prep time while still delivering fresh, hot chicken.
Final Thoughts
Giving the Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe a try means treating yourself and your loved ones to a dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for special occasions. Its wonderful blend of creamy cheese, sweet cranberries, and savory chicken will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. So grab those ingredients, and I promise, this delicious meal will have everyone asking for seconds!
PrintCranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken recipe offers a delicious blend of flavors with juicy chicken breasts stuffed with creamy brie cheese, sharp provolone, and sweet dried cranberries. Coated in crispy breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection, it makes for an elegant yet easy-to-make meal ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 boneless chicken breasts (halved to make 6 cutlets)
- ¾ teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon pepper, divided
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder, divided
Cheese & Filling
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp provolone cheese
- ¼ pound brie cheese, sliced into 12 pieces (about 2″ x 1″ x ¼” thick)
- 6 tablespoons craisins or dried cranberries, plus extra for garnish
Coating & Garnish
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 ½ cups plain breadcrumbs (Progresso recommended)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, optional garnish
Instructions
- Trim chicken fat: Use kitchen scissors to trim any fat from the chicken breasts to ensure lean, clean cutlets.
- Slice chicken breasts: Cut each chicken breast lengthwise in half, creating six thin cutlets in total.
- Pound chicken cutlets: Place cutlets between plastic wrap and gently pound them with a skillet or mallet until about ¼ inch thick, being careful as they become delicate; use a spatula to lift them.
- Season chicken: Season both sides of each cutlet evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, dividing the measurements across the sides.
- Prepare cheeses: Shred the sharp provolone cheese and slice the brie into approximately 12 small pieces sized to fit inside the chicken fold.
- Get craisins ready: Place the craisins in a small ramekin for easy assembly access.
- Set up dredging stations: Pour olive oil into one wide, shallow bowl and breadcrumbs into another to prepare for coating.
- Assemble stuffed chicken: Dip one side of each cutlet in olive oil, then place oil side down into breadcrumbs and gently press. Add two brie slices, a handful of provolone, and 1 tablespoon of craisins to the center. Roll or fold the chicken tightly and sprinkle extra breadcrumbs on top to ensure full coverage. Place assembled pieces into a baking dish.
- Bake the chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Bake the chicken for approximately 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Optionally, turn the broiler on high and brown the breadcrumb topping for a few minutes on a lower rack, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Prepare garnish: While the chicken cooks, chop fresh parsley if using for garnish.
- Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to retain juices. Slice in half if desired, arrange on a platter, and garnish with chopped parsley and extra craisins. Serve with your choice of sides such as sautéed carrots and steamed broccoli.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165°F for food safety and optimal juiciness.
- Broiling the chicken after baking adds a delicious crispy, golden finish to the breadcrumb coating.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light salad to balance richness.
- Handle pounded chicken gently as the thin cutlets can tear easily during assembly.
- Sharp provolone offers stronger flavor than standard provolone slices, enhancing the overall taste.
