Cranberry and Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie: 7 Powerful Flavor Secrets

If you’ve been craving a meal that feels a little fancy without demanding a full day in the kitchen, this Cranberry and Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie might just become your new weeknight hero. It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like you’ve outdone yourself—yet it all starts with simple ingredients and a slow-down-and-savor vibe we all need more of.

I love dishes like this because they bring together everyday staples—chicken breasts, dried cranberries, and spinach—and turn them into something that feels restaurant-worthy. And yes, your dining room totally counts as a restaurant when you’re serving melted Brie inside tender chicken. Trust me, your house will smell like a warm hug wrapped in holiday cheer.

Whether you’re feeding picky kids, impressing your partner, or treating yourself after a long day, this Cranberry and Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie is the cozy, low-effort, maximum-flavor recipe you didn’t know you needed.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry and Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie

There’s something magical about flavors that balance each other naturally—savory, creamy, sweet, and earthy. This recipe checks every box:

  • The chicken stays juicy thanks to that gorgeous sear and a splash of broth.
  • The Brie melts into a creamy pocket of bliss right in the center.
  • The cranberries add bright pops of sweetness, keeping everything lively instead of heavy.
  • The spinach tucks in some greens without overpowering the goodness.

And the best part? This dish feels elegant enough for the holidays but is easy enough for a random Tuesday.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start cooking, here’s what builds the flavor in this comforting chicken dish.

  • Chicken Breasts – Tender, boneless cuts that act as the perfect vessel for the luscious filling. Their mild flavor soaks up seasonings beautifully, giving you juicy, flavorful bites every time.
  • Salt & Pepper – The classic duo that boosts natural flavors. Salt tenderizes the meat while pepper adds subtle warmth and depth.
  • Olive Oil – Ideal for sautéing and searing, helping spinach wilt perfectly and giving the chicken a gorgeous golden crust.
  • Spinach Leaves – Fresh, earthy greens that wilt into soft ribbons, adding color, nutrition, and balance to the stuffing.
  • Dried Cranberries – Sweet-tart pops of flavor that brighten the filling and complement the richness of the Brie.
  • Brie Cheese – Soft, creamy, and wonderfully melty, creating an indulgent, gooey center inside the chicken.
  • Garlic Powder – A savory boost that enhances the aromatic profile without extra prep work.
  • Onion Powder – Adds gentle sweetness and rounds out the savory flavor of the dish.
  • Dried Thyme – Herbaceous, slightly lemony notes that pair beautifully with both spinach and Brie.
  • Chicken Broth – Used to deglaze the pan and form a light, flavorful sauce that keeps the chicken moist and tender.

Refer to the recipe card below for precise ingredient measurements.

How to Make Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie

This recipe looks complicated, but I promise—it’s easier than it sounds. Most of the magic happens in the oven while you get a moment to breathe.

1. Preheat the Oven

Set it to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking the stuffed chicken once you’ve seared it.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into each chicken breast—wide enough to stuff, but with one side still intact so everything stays contained.

3. Season Generously

Sprinkle the inside and outside with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. This helps flavor the chicken from the inside out.

4. Wilt the Spinach

Add olive oil to a pan over medium heat. Sauté the spinach just until it softens but still keeps some color. Let it cool slightly so the cheese doesn’t melt too early.

5. Combine Spinach & Cranberries

Mix the warm spinach with the dried cranberries. The heat plumps them up, giving them more juiciness.

6. Stuff the Chicken

Fill each breast with the spinach-cranberry mix, then tuck in slices of Brie. Don’t worry if it feels a little messy—Brie is delicious whether it stays inside or sneaks out a bit.

7. Secure with Toothpicks

This easy step keeps your filling from wandering out during cooking.

8. Sear the Chicken

Heat more olive oil in an oven-safe skillet. Sear each chicken breast until golden brown—about 3 minutes per side. The color adds flavor and looks beautiful on the plate.

9. Add Chicken Broth

Pour broth into the skillet and scrape up the browned bits at the bottom. This becomes a light and flavorful pan sauce.

10. Bake

Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken hits 165°F internally.

11. Rest Before Serving

Let the chicken sit for 5 minutes so juices redistribute. This is the secret to tender slices that don’t dry out.

Tips for the Best Cranberry and Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie

  • Don’t overstuff. Too much filling can cause the chicken to burst open.
  • If your sauce gets too thick, stir in a splash more broth—think of it as giving the chicken a little drink.
  • Make it seasonal. Add chopped pecans for crunch or swap Brie for goat cheese if you want a tangier vibe.
  • Searing is your friend. That golden crust adds flavor and holds everything together.

One week, during a whirlwind of back-to-back obligations, this recipe saved dinner at my house. I had a pack of chicken breasts, a handful of cranberries, and leftover Brie from a weekend charcuterie moment. What came out of the oven felt like a hug wrapped in melted cheese—and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Cranberry and Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie topped with glossy cranberries and fresh rosemary, with creamy Brie melting from the center.
This Cranberry and Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie showcases golden, juicy chicken filled with melted Brie, tender spinach, and a sweet cranberry topping.

FAQs About Cranberry and Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely. Prep and stuff the chicken earlier in the day, refrigerate it, and bake when ready.

What can I substitute for Brie?

Goat cheese, mozzarella, or even cream cheese work beautifully—each brings its own personality.

Can I use fresh cranberries?

Yes! Just chop them and sauté briefly with a teaspoon of sugar to soften the tartness.

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently so the chicken stays juicy.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Sure—skip the Brie and add mashed avocado or a non-dairy cheese alternative.

Bring Comfort Home

This Cranberry and Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie brings together everything I love about easy comfort cooking: big flavor, simple steps, and ingredients that feel familiar yet special. Whether you’re making it for guests or just treating yourself, this recipe turns an ordinary night into something worth savoring.

When you’re craving a meal that tastes like effort without requiring too much of it, this Cranberry and Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie will always show up for you—warm, flavorful, and ready to make your kitchen smell like pure coziness.

Craving More Delicious Ideas?

If this Cranberry and Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie brought a little extra joy to your table, you’re going to love these other comforting, flavor-packed favorites. They pair beautifully with the recipe or stand deliciously on their own—perfect for holidays, family dinners, or anytime you’re in the mood for something irresistibly cozy.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cranberry and Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie bursting with melted cheese, sautéed spinach, and topped with juicy cranberries on a dinner plate.

Cranberry and Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Brie


  • Author: Mounia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A cozy, flavor-packed dish made with tender chicken breasts stuffed with creamy Brie, wilted spinach, and sweet-tart cranberries. Perfect for holiday dinners, date nights, or anytime you want a comforting meal that feels special without extra effort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breasts

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp dried thyme

  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided

  • 3 cups fresh spinach leaves

  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries

  • 68 oz Brie cheese, sliced

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Slice a pocket into each chicken breast, keeping one side intact.

  3. Season inside and outside with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.

  4. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté spinach until wilted, then remove from heat.

  5. Combine warm spinach with dried cranberries in a small bowl.

  6. Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach-cranberry mixture and slices of Brie. Secure with toothpicks.

  7. Heat remaining olive oil in an oven-safe skillet. Sear chicken 3 minutes per side until golden.

  8. Pour chicken broth into the skillet and scrape up browned bits.

  9. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.

  10. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Add chopped pecans to the filling for extra crunch.

If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth.

Brie may melt out slightly — that’s totally normal (and delicious!).

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Oven + Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
  • Calories: Approx. 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 11 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 48 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg