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When you want an elegant dinner that still feels approachable, stuffed chicken breast is the answer. This recipe takes juicy chicken breasts, fills them with creamy brie cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, earthy spinach, and garlic, then wraps everything in savory bacon for a festive main dish. The combination of savory notes and a hint of sweetness from cranberries makes this dish perfect for holiday tables, date night, or any special occasion. Whether you’re looking for a Thanksgiving chicken alternative, a Christmas chicken dinner, or simply a delicious way to elevate your chicken recipes, this stuffed chicken breast recipe will impress the whole family.
This is often described as brie and cranberry-stuffed chicken or bacon-wrapped chicken stuffed with brie and cranberry. It’s the perfect holiday chicken dinner and one of the best festive chicken dinner ideas. Think of it as a baked stuffed chicken breast or chicken roll-ups filled with spinach and brie. If you’re looking for a chicken breast with cheese and cranberry twist, this oven-baked stuffed chicken breast recipe is a delicious way to impress.
The Chemistry of Stuffed Chicken Breast with Brie and Cranberry
The trick to a perfect stuffed chicken breast lies in balancing moisture and flavor while ensuring even cooking. When sliced thinly, chicken breast pockets allow room for stuffing mixture without overstuffing. Wrapping the chicken in bacon locks in juices, helping it stay moist even after 25-30 minutes in the oven. Brie Cheese provides a creamy, melty element that pairs beautifully with tangy cranberries, while spinach adds freshness and earthy notes. Checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer is the best way to avoid dry chicken- 165°F is the safe point where the chicken is cooked but still juicy. A quick sear over medium-high heat before baking can help crisp the bacon and add color, though it’s optional.
Recipe Troubleshooting
Chicken tearing or splitting? Using a sharp knife on a sturdy cutting board and covering the chicken with plastic wrap before slicing makes it easier to handle.
Filling leaking during baking? This often happens if the chicken isn’t tightly wrapped or if too much stuffing mixture is used.
Soggy bacon? For best results, bake uncovered on parchment paper in a preheated oven until bacon turns golden brown.
Overcooking or undercooking is common since stuffed chicken cooks differently from plain chicken breasts. Always test with an internal temperature with a thermometer.
Struggling to keep the chicken folded? Securing with toothpicks or wrapping snuggly in bacon helps hold everything together.
How do you cut chicken breasts for stuffing? Slice horizontally with a sharp knife to create chicken breast pockets or thinner fillets.
Should I sear the chicken before baking? A quick sear of medium-high heat can crisp bacon faster, but you can also let the oven do the work.
How long should I bake at 400°F? About 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, thaw and squeeze out excess water.
What cheese is best? Brie is classic, but goat cheese or feta cheese also works for a tangier filling.
Can I cook these in the air fryer? Yes- place chicken in a single layer at 375°F and cook until well done, checking the internal temperature for accuracy.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a Thanksgiving chicken alternative that shines on a holiday table. For a Christmas chicken dinner, its cranberry brie chicken filling feels festive and seasonal. Fall stuffed chicken breast recipes are especially popular during cozy winter dinners and fall entertaining occasions. It’s also a hit for date night chicken recipes or any elegant dinner when you want holiday main dish recipes that stand out.
Stuffed chicken pairs beautifully with garlic sweet mashed potatoes, buttermilk mashed potatoes, roasted garlic potatoes, or twice-baked potatoes. A light crisp garden salad adds color and a delicious crunch to the meal. Drizzle balsamic vinegar glaze or warmed cranberry sauce over the top of the chicken for extra tangy cranberry flavor and color. For grains, a couscous salad or orzo salad makes an excellent side. Presentation matters too: slice chicken diagonally to showcase the creamy brie cheese, fresh spinach, and sweet cranberries. Plate on a white dish to make colors pop, and garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. For a seasonal finish, scatter fresh cranberries or spinach leaves around the plate. This is a delicious way to elevate your chicken breast recipe into something fit for special occasions.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place chicken in a small saucepan with a splash of water or melt butter over medium heat to keep it moist while warming through. Avoid microwaving, which can dry out the chicken.
Freeze – Freeze individual chicken breasts tightly in freezer bags or plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake in a preheated oven until warmed through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Make Ahead- For easy entertaining, assemble the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time. Place chicken on a baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, remove from the fridge, let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake. This makes holiday entertaining and date night prep stress-free.
Recommended Products
Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast Bake
This brie and cranberry stuffed chicken breast wrapped in bacon is a next-level chicken breast recipe that’s perfect for the holidays, special occasions, or cozy winter dinners. The combination of creamy Brie, tangy cranberries, and earthy spinach, tucked inside juicy chicken, delivers flavor and elegance with minimal effort. It’s the kind of recipe that looks impressive but uses simple ingredients and easy steps. Serve it at your holiday table, make it for a special date night, or save it as an easy dinner recipe that the whole family will enjoy. Either way, this dish proves stuffed chicken can be both festive and foolproof.
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Holiday-Worthy Cranberry, Brie, and Bacon Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 4 oz brie cheese
- 1/2 can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 2 oz fresh spinach
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 6 pieces bacon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
- Slice your 3 chicken breasts horizontally through the middle. This will give you 6 thinner pieces.
- In a small bowl combine the spices: 1 tsp fine sea salt, 1/2 tsp ground pepper, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp onion powder.
- Sprinkle the seasoning blend all over the chicken breast pieces.
- Slice the brie into small squares and chop the spinach to shred it.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the brie chunks, shredded spinach, 1/2 can whole cranberry sauce, and 1 tsp minced garlic. Fold with a wooden spoon until everything is combined.
- Spoon the brie and cranberry filling onto the middle of each chicken breast piece. Fold the chicken to wrap the filling up.
- Wrap each breast tightly with a strip of uncooked bacon.
- Carefully place each raw stuffed chicken breast into a 9×13 baking pan. Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Nutrition
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