Description
Delight in juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a flavorful blend of fresh spinach, tart dried cranberries, and creamy brie cheese. Finished with a glossy honey-balsamic glaze and perfect sear before baking, this elegant dish offers a beautiful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Filling
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 4 oz brie cheese, sliced
Seasoning and Glaze
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Create Chicken Pockets: Carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, taking care not to cut all the way through. This pocket will hold the stuffing.
- Make the Filling and Stuff Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chopped fresh spinach, dried cranberries, and sliced brie cheese. Stuff each chicken breast with this mixture, ensuring it is well-filled.
- Season the Chicken: Rub each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper for a well-rounded flavor base.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust, locking in the juices and flavor.
- Bake to Finish Cooking: Transfer the skillet (or move chicken to the prepared baking dish) to the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Heat gently until the mixture thickens slightly, forming a glossy glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the honey-balsamic glaze over the baked chicken breasts. Remove any toothpicks if used to secure the stuffing. Serve immediately for optimal flavor and moisture.
Notes
- Pair this dish with roasted vegetables, wild rice, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- Use parchment-lined baking dishes for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Ensure chicken breasts are not too thick for even cooking; pound slightly if needed.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee safe consumption.
- Allergy note: Contains dairy (brie cheese) and mustard (Dijon).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
