Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie – Elegant, Creamy & Bursting with Flavor 🍗🧀🍒
Looking for a dinner idea that’s both comforting and impressive? These Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie are the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors — all wrapped in juicy, golden-brown chicken.
This dish features tender chicken breasts stuffed with fresh spinach, tart dried cranberries, and rich brie cheese, then pan-seared and finished with a luscious honey-balsamic glaze. It’s restaurant-worthy but simple enough to make on any night.
Let’s get cooking!
🥘 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor combo heaven : Sweet cranberries, creamy brie, earthy spinach.
- Elegant presentation : Looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make.
- Healthy and satisfying : Packed with protein and nutrient-rich greens.
- Perfect for holidays or date nights : A standout dish that impresses guests.
- Customizable : Swap ingredients to suit your taste or pantry staples.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the stuffed chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup fresh spinach
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries (unsweetened or sweetened, your choice)
- 4 oz brie cheese , rind removed and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme (or fresh, chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the honey-balsamic glaze:
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Pinch of salt and pepper
🔪 Equipment Needed
- Sharp knife or kitchen shears
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Cast iron or oven-safe skillet
- Spatula
- Aluminum foil (optional)
- Meat thermometer (recommended)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a small mixing bowl:
- Toss together fresh spinach , dried cranberries , and cubed brie cheese .
- Set aside while you prep the chicken.
Step 2: Butterfly the Chicken Breasts
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally almost all the way through, creating a pocket.
Tip: Place one hand flat on top of the chicken to stabilize it as you cut.
Season the inside and outside of each breast with salt , pepper , garlic powder , and thyme .
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
Evenly divide the filling among the four chicken breasts, pressing it gently into each pocket.
Secure the openings with toothpicks if needed to keep the stuffing inside during cooking.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 3–4 minutes per side , or until golden brown.
Step 5: Finish in the Oven (Optional)
If your skillet is oven-safe:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
- Transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes , or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) .
Alternatively, continue cooking on the stovetop with a lid covered for 10–12 minutes.
Step 6: Make the Honey-Balsamic Glaze
While the chicken rests:
In a small saucepan over low heat:
- Combine honey , balsamic vinegar , and Dijon mustard .
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until thickened into a glossy glaze.
Season with a pinch of salt and pepper .
Step 7: Serve Warm with Glaze
Remove the toothpicks and slice the chicken breasts if desired.
Drizzle generously with the honey-balsamic glaze before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes .
- Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or green beans .
- Add a simple arugula salad with a light vinaigrette for contrast.
- Drizzle extra glaze on the side for dipping or flavor boost.
🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days .
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken (without glaze) for up to 2 months . Thaw and reheat gently.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) to preserve moisture.
✅ Expert Tips for Success
- Use cold brie for easier handling — it holds its shape better than soft brie.
- Don’t skip searing — it creates a beautiful crust and locks in juices.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, cover and simmer on the stove instead.
- Want more decadence? Add a sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pecans to the filling.
- For a lighter version, use goat cheese or feta instead of brie.
🧠 Nutritional Highlights
This dish offers a well-balanced mix of nutrients:
- Chicken breast provides lean protein for muscle repair and energy.
- Spinach delivers iron, folate, and antioxidants.
- Brie cheese adds calcium and healthy fats in moderation.
- Cranberries support urinary tract and heart health.
- The glaze brings natural sweetness and anti-inflammatory benefits from balsamic vinegar.
It’s a delicious way to enjoy gourmet flavors while supporting a healthy lifestyle.
📝 Final Thoughts
The Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie are a true celebration of seasonal flavors — combining the tang of cranberries, the creaminess of brie, and the freshness of spinach into one irresistible dish.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. It’s proof that comfort food can also be elegant, nutritious, and deeply satisfying.
So grab some chicken, brie, and cranberries — and treat yourself to something truly special tonight!
