Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken: Easy Holiday Dinner Recipe

Today, we’re talking about one of my absolute favorite, show-stopping weeknight or holiday meals: Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken. Seriously, folks, this is the recipe you pull out when you want everyone around your table to feel completely spoiled without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of savory, tender chicken breast, meltingly smooth brie cheese, and those tart, festive cranberries is pure magic. It’s got that “wow” factor, making it the perfect candidate for a family Sunday dinner or a special easy weeknight dinner when you crave something special.

It reminds me a little of late autumn gatherings at my Grandmother’s house in Texas. While she was legendary for her BBQ, she always had a small appetizer table—usually a wheel of baked brie with preserves. This recipe channels that comfort, taking those elegant flavors and putting them right into a fork-and-knife dinner that the whole family, including Jana, will devour. If you’ve ever searched for the best cranberry brie stuffed chicken breasts recipe that is both approachable and impressive, grab your apron! We’re making some memories tonight, and it’s going to involve lots of melted cheese.

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
• Ingredients for Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
• How to Make Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Pro Tips & Variations
• Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Serving Suggestions
• Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Storage & Reheating
• FAQ about Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken
• Final Thoughts

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken

When Emily first asked me to create a brie stuffed chicken breast recipe, I knew it couldn’t just be good, it had to be a reliable winner, perfect for a busy weeknight yet delicious enough for a holiday table. When I look at this dish, I see time saved, happy kids, and a dinner that feels way more complicated than it actually is. It captures that seasonal feeling without being difficult. Here’s why this recipe earns a permanent spot in the MisterRecipes rotation:

• It’s Stunningly Simple, Truly. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. We aren’t deboning ducks or making intricate sauces. We are simply slicing a pocket into boneless, skinless chicken breasts and stuffing them generous amounts of flavor. The most time-consuming part is waiting for it to bake! If you want an easy cranberry and brie stuffed chicken, this is it.
• The Texture Contrast is Perfect. You get the crispy, slightly golden exterior of the perfectly cooked chicken, followed by that luscious, molten center. The brie chicken filling melts into a creamy river, mixed with the slightly chewy, sweet-tart burst of the dried cranberries and fresh thyme. This interplay of textures is what makes every bite exciting.
• Holiday Worthy Flavors, Any Day. The pairing of cranberry chicken and brie is often relegated to Thanksgiving or Christmas, but honestly, these rich, warm flavors are delightful year-round. Since we use dried cranberries, you don’t have to wait for the holidays to enjoy a holiday stuffed chicken. It is a fantastic main course for a fall evening or a special date night in. Everyone needs a reliable Christmas cranberry brie chicken recipe, and now you have one!
• It’s a Meal the Kids Actually Eat. Adams loves anything rich and cheesy, and Jana picks out the cranberries first, calling them “little jewels.” I find that the rich, creamy brie mellows the strong flavor of the chicken and the tartness of the cranberries, making it incredibly palatable even for picky eaters. Serving it alongside some simple mashed potatoes makes it the ultimate comfort food experience for the whole family.
• A Great Base for Variations. This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Want a little green? Stuff some fresh spinach in there to make a spinach cranberry brie chicken. Want to add more complexity? We’ll cover how to make a bacon wrapped cranberry brie chicken in the tips section below. This ability to customize ensures the recipe never gets boring and fits your family’s cravings perfectly.
• High-Value Protein. The centerpiece is the stuffed chicken breast, which is low in fat, high in protein, and an excellent base for a satisfying meal. It’s comforting food that still delivers on core nutrition, which is always important when feeding my crew.

It’s a guaranteed success that feels gourmet but requires minimal fuss. It’s my way of turning a simple cut of meat into something memorable, proving once again that cooking isn’t just about food, it’s about making people happy.

Ingredients for Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to success. We’re keeping the shopping list short and sweet. When selecting the brie, look for a wheel of double or triple cream brie, as the higher fat content means it melts silkier and creamier inside the chicken.

• 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Look for medium-sized breasts for easy stuffing and even cooking.
• 4 oz (about 1/2 wheel) Brie Cheese: Cut into four equal-sized pieces (about 1 oz each). No need to remove the rind, it melts beautifully.
• 1/4 cup Dried Cranberries (Craisins): Essential for that sweet and tart holiday flavor.
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Thyme Leaves: Use fresh, if possible, for the best aroma.
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil or Melted Butter: For brushing the chicken before baking to promote browning.
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth to the exterior coating.
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt and 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: For seasoning the outside of the chicken cutlets.
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Adds a lovely crunch to the stuffing.

Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken: Easy Holiday Dinner Recipe.

How to Make Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken

This method is foolproof, focusing on creating perfectly moist chicken that holds the incredible cranberry and brie filling without letting it all escape. The key is in the pocket cut and the baking temperature.

Pro Tips & Variations

I’ve made this stuffed chicken breast countless times for Emily, the kids, and friends. Over the years, I’ve refined the process and found some excellent ways to tweak it depending on what I have in the pantry or what flavor profile I’m craving. These tips will help you master the technique and make the recipe your own.

Mastering the Stuffing Technique

• The Butterfly Cut (Alternative Method): If you find cutting a pocket difficult, you can ‘butterfly’ the chicken breast open (slice almost all the way through, leaving a hinge) and pound it lightly to an even thickness. Spread the filling on one side, fold the other side over, and secure the edges tightly with toothpicks before baking. This method works great for thinner breasts.
• Freezing the Brie: Brie can be soft and difficult to handle. Cut the required pieces and place them in the freezer for about 15 minutes before stuffing. They will be much firmer and easier to push into the chicken pocket without squishing.
• Don’t Overstuff: The temptation is real, but overstuffing the chicken will cause the filling to spill out entirely during the baking process, resulting in a mess and dry chicken. Use a reasonable amount that fits snugly within the created pocket.

Flavor and Ingredient Variations

• The Spinach Addition (Spinach Cranberry Brie Chicken): Wilt about 1/2 cup of fresh spinach per chicken breast and mix it directly into the cranberry and thyme filling. This adds color, nutrition, and a wonderful vegetal note that complements the richness of the brie.
• Add Bacon (Bacon Wrapped Cranberry Brie Chicken): For an extra layer of savory flavor and moisture, wrap each prepared, stuffed chicken breast tightly with one or two slices of thin-cut bacon. Secure with a toothpick and bake as directed. The rendered bacon fat keeps the chicken incredibly moist.
• Use Different Cheese: If you can’t find brie, or if you prefer a sharper taste, try swapping it out for good quality Camembert or even cream cheese mixed with a little shredded mozzarella for melty goodness. Though I highly recommend the creamy richness of brie for the best results.
• Changing the Fruit: If cranberries aren’t your favorite, try substituting them with finely chopped dried apricots or even small, thin slices of fresh pear for a different take on the sweet and savory combination.
• Sauce It Up! While the melted brie creates its own rich sauce, you can easily transform this dish by adding a light, complimentary drizzle at the end. A simple balsamic glaze or a light honey-dijon sauce brushed on during the last five minutes of cooking takes the flavor profile to the next level.

Air Fryer Method (Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken)

Yes, you can absolutely make this in the air fryer for a quicker, crispier result!

Prepare the chicken breasts exactly as described in steps 1-5. Place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch (you may need to work in batches). Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The crust gets wonderfully crispy and the brie still oozes beautifully!

Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Serving Suggestions

This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is rich, flavorful, and quite filling, so you want side dishes that balance that richness. Think light, green, or something starchy to soak up those delicious, cheesy pan juices. When I serve this to Emily and the kids, I try to strike a balance between hearty and fresh.

• Creamy Starch: You can’t go wrong with classic mashed potatoes or a light creamy orzo. The velvety texture of mashed potatoes is the perfect counterpart to the warm, gooey brie filling. I love to drizzle the pan juices over the potatoes.
• Garlicky Greens: A simple yet essential side. Sautéed garlic green beans with a sprig of lemon work incredibly well, cutting through the richness of the cheese. Asparagus steamed and tossed with a little olive oil and salt is another quick and delicious option.
• Harvest Salad: Lean into the seasonal flavors with a crisp salad featuring fall ingredients. Think mixed greens with sliced apples, candied pecans, and a light vinaigrette. This provides both freshness and crunch, a great contrast to the soft chicken.
• Rustic Bread: A crusty artisan loaf is non-negotiable in my house whenever there is a cheesy sauce! It’s perfect for dipping and soaking up any melty brie stuffed chicken goodness left on the plate.
• Roasted Root Vegetables: If you are serving this as a holiday stuffed chicken, consider roasting cubes of butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and carrots with a sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon. They pair beautifully with the cranberry and thyme notes in the stuffing.

Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Storage & Reheating

While this dish is undeniably best served fresh, leftovers of cranberry and brie stuffed chicken store remarkably well, which means it’s excellent for meal prepping or just having an amazing lunch the next day. Even Adams gets excited when he sees this for lunch.

Storage

Refrigerator: Cool the chicken completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep safely in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Because of the creamy cheese filling, ensure it stays chilled.

Freezer: You can freeze cooked chicken, but the texture of the brie might change slightly, becoming more crumbly when thawed. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

The trick to reheating stuffed chicken breast is to warm it slowly to prevent the chicken from drying out, which happens easily with lean meat.

• Oven (Best Method): Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the leftover chicken in an oven-safe dish, adding a tiny splash of water or broth to the bottom of the dish to create some steam. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until piping hot throughout (165°F). This keeps the chicken moist.
• Microwave (Fastest Method): This is acceptable only if you are in a rush, but be warned, the chicken can become rubbery. Heat at 50% power in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Air Fryer: Place the chicken in the air fryer basket. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes. The air fryer restores some of the exterior crispness lost during refrigeration.

FAQ about Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken

I get a lot of questions about cooking stuffed chicken breast, especially regarding leakage and cooking times. Here are the most common ones:

What causes the filling in my Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken to leak out?

There are usually two culprits: 1) Cutting through the chicken pocket. Make sure the pocket is deep but sealed at one end and the bottom. 2) Overstuffing. Pack the filling firmly but don’t stuff it so full that the chicken can’t close slightly around it. Using toothpicks to secure the opening also helps immensely in keeping the precious brie inside.

Do I need to remove the rind from the brie cheese before stuffing?

No, absolutely not! Brie rind is edible, and it actually helps the cheese hold its shape slightly before melting completely in the oven. It adds a subtle savory note that is lovely. The rind ensures the brie cheese melts into a velvety texture rather than running out immediately.

Can I prepare the Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! This is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Prepare the Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast completely up to the point of baking (step 5). Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add about 5-10 minutes to the total cook time since the chicken will be starting cold.

Is it better to use fresh cranberries or dried cranberries?

For this specific recipe, I strongly recommend dried cranberries (like Craisins). Fresh cranberries are much more tart and require significant sweetener and cooking time to soften. The dried variety offers the perfect chewy texture and concentrated sweetness that balances the rich brie and savory chicken right out of the bag.

Final Thoughts

Whenever I pull this Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken out of the oven, the house fills with this incredible aroma of toasted thyme and melting cheese. It’s comforting, familiar, and always signals that something special is about to happen at the dinner table. It’s what I call a memory meal.

It’s important to remember that cooking is a quiet act of love. Whether you’re serving this as a fancy meal or just making a delicious, slightly elevated chicken dinner for your family, the effort itself is what truly nourishes people. This dish is my testament to enjoying the good life, easily. I hope it brings a moment of delicious, effortless elegance to your table, too.

If you loved making this, be sure to check out my Easy Chicken Alfredo or my recipe for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowls for more flavor-packed meals!

Please share your photos and tell me how your family enjoyed this simple celebration of flavors in the comments below. Happy cooking, from my family to yours.