Description
Delicious Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie combine tender chicken with a savory blend of spinach, sweet dried cranberries, and creamy brie cheese, finished with a honey-balsamic glaze. This elegant yet simple dish is perfect for a special dinner or a comforting meal any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 4 oz brie cheese, sliced
Seasonings and Glaze
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken Pockets: Carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through to hold the filling.
- Mix Filling: Combine chopped spinach, dried cranberries, and sliced brie cheese in a bowl. Stuff this mixture into each chicken breast pocket evenly.
- Season Chicken: Rub the outside of the chicken breasts with olive oil. Season them with garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper on all sides.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown to lock in the juices.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) ensuring they are thoroughly cooked.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Heat gently, stirring until slightly thickened and glossy.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the honey-balsamic glaze over the baked chicken breasts just before serving. Remove any toothpicks used to secure the pockets if applicable. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use toothpicks to secure the chicken pockets if needed to hold the filling in place during cooking.
- Pair this dish with roasted vegetables, wild rice, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- If brie is unavailable, cream cheese can be a suitable substitute but the flavor will be milder.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- For a dairy-free variation, omit brie and use a vegan cheese alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
