Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken | Elegant Dinner Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is a show-stopping dish that tastes as elegant as it looks. Tender chicken breasts are stuffed with creamy brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce, then baked to golden perfection. The result is a balance of savory, sweet, and creamy flavors that feel festive yet easy enough for a weeknight meal. I tried adding a touch of fresh rosemary to the stuffing, and it gave the dish a beautiful aromatic depth—perfect for the holidays or a romantic dinner. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself to something special, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. Choose thick pieces so you can easily slice a pocket for the stuffing.

Brie cheese – Soft, creamy brie melts beautifully inside the chicken, adding a luxurious richness that pairs perfectly with the tart cranberries.

Cranberry sauce – Provides a sweet-tart contrast to the savory chicken and cheese. Use homemade or store-bought whole-berry cranberry sauce.

Garlic powder – Adds a mild savory note that complements the richness of the cheese.

Fresh rosemary – A fragrant herb that enhances the flavor of both the chicken and the cranberry filling.

Olive oil – Used for searing the chicken and keeping it moist during baking.

Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing the sweetness of the filling.

Butter – Helps brown the chicken evenly while adding a touch of richness to the dish.

Chicken broth – Used to keep the chicken juicy and to create a light pan sauce after baking.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Stuff each chicken breast with a few slices of brie cheese and a spoonful of cranberry sauce. Add a small sprig of fresh rosemary inside for extra flavor, then use toothpicks to secure the openings.

Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Pour in the chicken broth, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Remove from the oven, discard the toothpicks, and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Spoon some of the pan juices over the top before serving for added flavor.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
• large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
• Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
• Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
• Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
• knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
• Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation takes 15 minutes, and cooking time is about 25 minutes, totaling 40 minutes from start to finish.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 1 minute. Avoid overcooking to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Variations and Customizations

Apple Brie Chicken – Swap cranberry sauce for thin apple slices sautéed in butter and cinnamon for a cozy fall twist.

Herb and Garlic Version – Add minced garlic and thyme inside the chicken for a more savory flavor.

Balsamic Glaze Finish – Drizzle with balsamic reduction before serving for a sweet, tangy touch.

Bacon-Wrapped Brie Chicken – Wrap each stuffed breast in bacon before baking for added crispiness and smoky flavor.

Pecan Crunch – Add chopped toasted pecans to the filling for texture and a nutty contrast.

Spicy Cranberry Kick – Mix a pinch of red pepper flakes into the cranberry sauce for a hint of heat.

Cheese Lover’s Upgrade – Combine brie with a bit of shredded mozzarella for an extra gooey interior.

Honey Mustard Glaze – Brush chicken with honey mustard before baking for a subtle sweetness and golden glaze.

Holiday Dinner Version – Serve with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for an elegant festive meal.

Low-Carb Option – Use sugar-free cranberry sauce to keep the dish keto-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless thighs work well; just adjust the baking time since they cook faster.

What can I use instead of brie?

Camembert, goat cheese, or cream cheese are great substitutes that melt smoothly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can stuff the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 12 hours before baking.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Don’t overfill the pockets and secure the openings with toothpicks before searing.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing locks in juices and gives the chicken a beautiful golden crust, so it’s highly recommended.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free brie-style cheese or cashew-based alternatives.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

What sides go best with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh green salad pair beautifully.

Can I use leftover cranberry sauce from the holidays?

Absolutely—this recipe is a perfect way to repurpose extra cranberry sauce.

Can I freeze stuffed chicken?

Yes, assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.

Conclusion

Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is a dish that delivers elegance without the fuss. With its creamy brie filling, sweet cranberry sauce, and juicy chicken, it’s a flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for holidays, date nights, or any special occasion. The contrast of savory, sweet, and creamy makes every bite feel luxurious. Serve it alongside your favorite sides, drizzle with pan juices, and enjoy a meal that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.