If you’re dreaming of a festive dish that feels both elegant and cozy, this Christmas Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Cranberry and Brie Recipe is your new holiday hero. Juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with vibrant cranberry sauce, creamy brie cheese, and sautéed spinach—bringing together seasonal flavors that are perfectly balanced and irresistibly delicious.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Festive flavor harmony: The tart cranberries, buttery brie, and savory spinach come together in one delightful bite that’s impossible to resist.
Impress with minimal fuss: Though it looks fancy, this recipe is straightforward, perfect for holiday cooks wanting elegance without stress.
Versatility on your plate: Great for holiday dinners, special occasions, or anytime you want to wow guests and family alike.
Nutritious twist: Adding spinach to the mix adds color, texture, and a subtle boost of nutrients that complements the richness perfectly.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role—bringing together textures and flavors that make the dish shine. From tender chicken to gooey brie, tangy cranberry, and fresh spinach, each component enhances the overall experience both visually and on your palate.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These create the perfect vessel for the filling—choose plump, evenly sized breasts for even cooking.
- Kosher salt and dried thyme: Simple seasoning that elevates the chicken’s natural flavor and adds a hint of herbaceous warmth.
- Cranberry sauce: Use your favorite homemade or store-bought variety; it adds that signature holiday tartness everyone loves.
- Brie cheese: This soft, creamy cheese melts beautifully inside the chicken, lending richness and an indulgent feel.
- Baby spinach: Fresh spinach adds color, lightness, and a nice leafy texture that balances the richness.
- Shallot and garlic: A subtle aromatic duo that brings depth and a touch of savoriness to the filling.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: For sautéing and searing—opt for a good quality one to add fruity notes and ensure a crispy golden exterior.
How to Make Christmas Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Cranberry and Brie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season Your Chicken
Start by seasoning your boneless chicken breasts on both sides with kosher salt, dried thyme, and ground black pepper. This simple seasoning is crucial as it enhances the chicken’s natural flavor, setting the stage for the festive stuffing that makes this recipe so special.
Step 2: Create the Perfect Pocket for the Filling
Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally—don’t cut all the way through, but enough to make a pocket. This technique is key to holding all the scrumptious filling inside while cooking. Think of it as crafting a little pouch of pure holiday magic!
Step 3: Sauté Shallots, Garlic, and Spinach
In a pan over medium heat, warm a tablespoon of olive oil then add diced shallots and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then toss in the chopped baby spinach. Cook just until the spinach wilts—this step adds moisture, softness, and a fresh, earthy component to your stuffing.
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken Breasts
Spoon 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce inside each chicken pocket, followed by an even layer of the sautéed spinach mixture. Then lay slices of brie cheese on top—this melty cheese is what brings that luscious creaminess to the dish. Use toothpicks to secure the pockets, keeping all the festive flavors tucked safely inside during cooking.
Step 5: Sear and Bake Until Perfect
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear each stuffed chicken breast for about 3 minutes on each side until golden and slightly crisp. Then pop the pan into a 400°F oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes—until the chicken reaches a juicy, safe temperature of 165°F. The result? Juicy chicken with a luscious, melted center.
How to Serve Christmas Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Cranberry and Brie Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary on top adds a gorgeous, aromatic flourish that makes your Christmas stuffed chicken breasts even more inviting. You could also drizzle a little warm cranberry sauce over the top for extra sparkle—visually stunning and delicious.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, garlic mashed potatoes, or a light wild rice pilaf. The cozy richness of the chicken works well alongside these classic holiday sides, balancing comfort and elegance perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the stuffed chicken breasts into medallions to showcase the colorful filling layers, then fan them out on a festive platter. Add fresh cranberries or a scattering of pomegranate seeds around the plate for a burst of holiday cheer that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooked, allow your Christmas stuffed chicken breasts with cranberry and brie to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. This makes for a delightful leftover lunch or dinner that’s just as comforting as freshly made.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked stuffed chicken breasts by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before cooking as directed to keep all those festive flavors fresh and vibrant.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, it’s best to use an oven set to 325°F. Warm the chicken for 10 to 12 minutes, or until heated through—this method keeps the chicken moist and the brie perfectly melted. While a microwave works in a pinch, the oven preserves texture and flavor beautifully.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs offer a slightly richer flavor and stay juicy, but you’ll want to adjust cooking time as thighs generally take a bit longer to cook through.
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What can I substitute if I don’t have brie cheese?
If brie isn’t available, try cream cheese or mozzarella for a milder, creamy texture. Goat cheese is another great option that adds a tangy twist perfect for holiday flavors.
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Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the brie for a dairy-free cheese alternative or skip cheese altogether. The cranberry and spinach still deliver plenty of flavor, making it an excellent option for dairy-free diets.
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How do I make the chicken stuffing stay inside better?
Instead of cutting the chicken fully in half, try slicing a pocket carefully so it remains mostly intact. Using toothpicks to secure the opening helps keep the filling inside while cooking. Expect a little cheese to ooze out—that’s part of the charm!
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Cranberry and Brie Recipe brings all the cozy holiday vibes onto your plate, combining simple ingredients with show-stopping flavors. Whether for a festive family dinner or a special occasion, it’s a dish that feels lovingly homemade and truly memorable. Give it a go—you’ll be making it a holiday tradition in no time!
Print
Christmas Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Cranberry and Brie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Christmas Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe combines succulent boneless, skinless chicken breasts with a festive filling of cranberry sauce, creamy brie cheese, and sautéed spinach and shallots. Seasoned with dried thyme, kosher salt, and pepper, the chicken is seared to a golden perfection on the stovetop before finishing in the oven. This elegant and flavorful dish is perfect for holiday dinners and celebrations, offering a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors with a creamy texture from the melted brie.
Ingredients
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 (lightly packed) baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 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 infuse flavor into the meat.
- Make a pocket: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast nearly in half horizontally, creating a pocket for the filling without cutting all the way through. Set aside the prepared chicken.
- Sauté the spinach: Heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add diced shallots and minced garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped baby spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until spinach wilts. Remove from heat.
- Stuff the chicken: Open each chicken pocket and spoon 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce inside. Divide the spinach mixture evenly between the chicken breasts, then top with 1.5 ounces of sliced brie per breast. Use 3 to 4 toothpicks to securely close each pocket and hold the filling inside during cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (73°C) and is fully cooked through.
- Serve: Remove chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a couple of minutes. Remove toothpicks carefully before serving. Pair with your favorite side dishes and enjoy this festive, flavorful entrée.
Notes
- When making the pocket, aim to slice in a way that creates a pouch rather than cutting the chicken entirely through to better hold the filling. Some filling seepage is normal.
- If filling or cheese seeps out during cooking, simply scoop it up and place it back on top of the chicken breasts before serving for a tasty presentation.
- Storage tip: Allow fully cooled stuffed chicken breasts to be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- Reheating tip: Warm leftovers in a preheated 325°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes until hot through, which helps maintain tender chicken and melty brie. Microwaving is an option if needed but may impact texture.
