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Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken

Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken

Tender chicken breasts stuffed with creamy brie cheese and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs. This elegant yet approachable dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor perfect for special dinners or cozy weeknight meals.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 465

Ingredients
  

For the Cranberry Filling
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup orange juice freshly squeezed preferred
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 6-8 oz each
  • 4 ounces brie cheese rind removed, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon butter melted
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Large oven-safe skillet
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Toothpicks

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the fresh cranberries and cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to burst, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the honey, orange juice, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens into a chunky sauce.
  4. Remove the cranberry mixture from heat and let it cool completely while you prepare the chicken.
  5. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal pocket into the thickest part of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
  6. Divide the brie cheese pieces evenly between the two chicken breasts, tucking them into the pockets you created.
  7. Spoon the cooled cranberry mixture over the brie cheese inside each pocket, distributing evenly.
  8. Secure the opening of each chicken breast with 2-3 toothpicks, threading them through to hold the filling inside.
  9. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  10. While the chicken is searing, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter in a small bowl until evenly combined.
  11. Remove the skillet from heat briefly. Press the buttered panko mixture evenly onto the top of each chicken breast.
  12. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  13. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before carefully removing the toothpicks.
  14. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Make sure the cranberry filling is completely cooled before stuffing to prevent the brie from melting prematurely.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  • If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, transfer seared chicken to a baking dish before adding panko topping.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
  • Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.