Description
Delicious and festive Christmas Stuffed Chicken Breasts filled with cranberry sauce, spinach, and creamy brie cheese. This elegant main course combines savory herbs and sweet cranberries for a perfect holiday dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
Filling
- 2 tablespoons diced shallot
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 2 cups baby spinach (roughly chopped, lightly packed)
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce
- 3 ounces brie cheese (sliced)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with kosher salt, dried thyme, and ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Make a pocket: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast almost in half horizontally, creating a pocket for the filling without cutting all the way through. Set aside.
- Saute the spinach: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add diced shallot and minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the roughly chopped baby spinach and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until it begins to wilt, then remove from heat.
- Stuff the chicken: Spoon 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce inside each chicken breast pocket. Evenly divide the sautéed spinach mixture into each pocket, then add 1.5 ounces of sliced brie cheese per breast. Secure the pocket closed with 3 to 4 toothpicks.
- Cook the chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (73°C).
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite side dishes for a complete holiday meal.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen spinach according to availability, just ensure it’s well-drained before sautéing.
- To avoid spilling the stuffing, secure the chicken pockets tightly with toothpicks.
- For a crispier exterior, sear the chicken over medium-high heat but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Brie cheese can be substituted with a mild creamy cheese like camembert if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 577 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 1171 mg
- Fat: 37 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 0.01 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
