There's just something irresistible about the combination of creamy brie and tangy cranberry nestled inside a tender chicken breast. This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe brings festive flavors together in a way that feels both elegant and comforting—perfect for a cozy dinner or holiday gathering.

A white plate holds four thick slices of cooked chicken with crispy golden-brown skin on the outside and white inside. Each slice is stuffed with melted creamy cheese, dark red cranberries, and bright green spinach visible in the center. A brown-handled knife and silver fork are placed on the plate, with the fork holding a piece of chicken. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with scattered drops of sauce and black pepper. In the top left corner, there is a small wooden bowl filled with coarse black pepper. A white cloth with thin gray stripes is near the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made this recipe a handful of times during the holidays, and it never fails to impress. The balance between the sweet cranberry sauce and the rich, melty brie creates a delicious surprise when you cut into the chicken. Plus, it’s straightforward enough to feel like a special treat without turning your kitchen upside down.

Festive Flavor Combo: The classic pairing of cranberry and brie turns simple chicken into a celebration-worthy dish.
Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps and minimal ingredients, it’s perfect for busy cooks who want something impressive fast.
Adaptable and Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or add your favorite herbs to suit your taste.
Great Presentation: Stuffed chicken looks fancy when plated, so it’s ideal for holiday dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe is in its simple, quality ingredients—each playing a role in building flavor and texture. When shopping, look for fresh brie and a tangy cranberry sauce that isn’t too sweet to keep the balance just right.

Flat lay of two raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of dried thyme, a small white ceramic bowl of ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl with extra-virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of diced shallot, one whole garlic clove, a small white ceramic bowl filled with roughly chopped baby spinach leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red cranberry sauce, several slices of creamy brie cheese on a simple white ceramic plate, all arranged symmetrically placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Easier to stuff and cook evenly; good quality breasts make all the difference.
Kosher salt and dried thyme: Simple seasoning that enhances the chicken without overpowering the stuffing flavors.
Ground black pepper: Adds a little bite to balance the richness.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing and searing—adds depth and helps chicken brown nicely.
Diced shallot: Gives a subtle sweetness and complexity to the spinach mixture.
Garlic clove (minced): Because garlic makes everything better, right?
Baby spinach: Adds freshness and a bit of greenery to the filling without overwhelming other flavors.
Cranberry sauce: The star ingredient for that festive, tart contrast inside the chicken pockets.
Brie cheese: Melts beautifully inside, lending creaminess and a little buttery richness to every bite.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with this Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe by adding my own twists—after all, the best recipes are personal! You should try customizing it to match your mood or whatever you have on hand.

Variation: Sometimes I swap out spinach for kale or arugula—both hold up well and add a peppery note that pairs nicely with the brie.
Dietary Modification: For a gluten-free version, just ensure your cranberry sauce is free of additives; the recipe naturally lends itself well without major tweaks.
Seasonal Twist: Around fall, I like adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans inside the filling for crunch and nuttiness.
Spice Level: If you want a hint of warmth, a dash of red pepper flakes sprinkled into the filling does the trick without stealing the show.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

A white plate holds two pieces of raw chicken, each split open and stuffed with layers. The bottom layer is a bright red sauce or jam, topped with a pile of dark green leafy spinach. Above the spinach, there is a thick rectangular slice of pale yellow cheese. The chicken is sprinkled with dried herbs and coarse black pepper, giving a speckled look on the light pink skin. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a small white bowl of the same red sauce visible in the top left corner and some toothpicks to the upper right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season and Prep Your Chicken

First, take those boneless skinless chicken breasts and sprinkle them evenly with kosher salt, dried thyme, and ground pepper on both sides. I like to pat the seasoning in gently so it sticks well. Then, use a sharp knife to carefully slice a pocket into each breast—think of it as making a little pouch for that amazing filling. Be sure not to cut all the way through, which is a common mistake I almost made the first few times I made this recipe!

Step 2: Sauté the Spinach Mixture

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then toss in the diced shallots and minced garlic. After just about 30 seconds, add the chopped baby spinach and stir until it wilts—this usually takes a minute or two. You want the spinach tender but still vibrant. Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside. The aroma at this point will already be making your kitchen feel inviting!

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken Breasts

Grab your pockets and fill each one with about two tablespoons of cranberry sauce. Next, carefully add the sautéed spinach mixture evenly between the two chicken breasts, and then layer slices of brie on top—about 1.5 ounces per breast works perfectly. Now grab 3 to 4 toothpicks to secure each pocket and keep all those lovely flavors inside while cooking. I find this step easier if your hands are slightly wet or oiled, so the chicken doesn’t stick or tear.

Step 4: Sear and Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large, oven-safe pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 3 minutes on each side, until you see that gorgeous golden crust forming. Then pop the whole pan in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (73°C). This step ensures the chicken is juicy and the brie is beautifully melted inside.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

After baking, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes—this helps the juices redistribute and keeps everything tender. Then carefully remove the toothpicks and plate the chicken with your favorite sides. I promise cutting into it to see the ooey-gooey brie and bright cranberry will be totally worth the wait!

Top Tip

After making this Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few tips that make all the difference in the final dish. Follow these to avoid common pitfalls:

Sharp Knife for Pocket: Using a very sharp knife is crucial to create a neat pocket without cutting all the way through the chicken.
Don’t Overstuff: Keep the filling moderate so the chicken breasts stay intact and cook evenly—overstuffing can cause leaks while cooking.
Sear Before Baking: This step locks in flavor and texture, giving the chicken a beautiful golden crust that’s both tasty and visually appealing.
Use an Oven-Safe Pan: It makes transferring from stove to oven easy and cuts down on cleanup—my favorite kind of multitasking in the kitchen.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

cranberry brie chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish this dish with a light sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or a few extra dried cranberries scattered on top for color—and trust me, it adds a little festive flair that never goes unnoticed. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a bit of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving takes it up a notch without much effort.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides here are fluffy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes—they soak up any melted brie goodness that escapes. I also love serving this with green beans almondine or a crisp winter salad with citrus vinaigrette to cut through the richness. The contrast of textures is delightfully satisfying!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served the chicken carved into medallions arranged around a bed of lightly dressed arugula with pomegranate seeds sprinkled over top—an elegant presentation that wows guests and feels surprisingly simple. You could also plate the breasts whole alongside a festive cranberry reduction sauce for extra indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier lunch the next day. Just be careful when storing so the chicken breasts don’t get squished—keeping their shape helps maintain the stuffing integrity.

Freezing

Freezing works pretty well if you want to prep ahead. I recommend assembling and then wrapping each stuffed chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to cook, thaw completely in the refrigerator, then proceed with searing and baking as usual. I've found this saves time on busy days without sacrificing taste.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, keeping the chicken covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain that lovely crispy exterior and creamy interior—trust me, the oven method keeps it tasting like freshly made.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess moisture before sautéing to avoid making the filling watery.

What kind of cranberry sauce works best?

I prefer a homemade or jarred cranberry sauce that isn’t too sweet, with a bit of tartness to balance the creamy brie. Avoid overly chunky or heavily spiced varieties unless you want to add your own twist.

Can I make this recipe for more than two people?

Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients accordingly and adjust your cooking time slightly if your chicken breasts are larger or if you’re using a bigger batch. Using a larger oven-safe pan or baking dish helps everything cook evenly.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (73°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part to ensure the meat is white and juices run clear, not pink.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe has become a favorite in my home for its perfect balance of comforting and festive vibes. It’s hearty yet elegant enough to serve whenever you want to impress guests or just enjoy a special night in. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe year after year, just like I have!