Elevate your dinner game with these impressive Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie. The combination of tangy cranberries, fresh spinach, and creamy brie cheese creates a flavor profile that's both sweet and savory.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
1. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2. 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped
3. 1/3 cup dried cranberries
4. 4 oz brie cheese, sliced
5. 2 tablespoons olive oil
6. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
7. 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
8. 1/2 teaspoon salt
9. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Glaze:
1. 2 tablespoons honey
2. 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
3. 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together chopped spinach, dried cranberries, and sliced brie cheese.
3. Lay the chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket. Stuff each breast with the spinach-cranberry-brie mixture.
4. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the stuffed chicken breasts.
5. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. While the chicken is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
7. After the chicken has baked for 20 minutes, brush the glaze evenly onto each breast.
8. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the glaze is caramelized.
Tips and Variations:
1. Use fresh or frozen cranberries instead of dried cranberries for a different texture.
2. Substitute goat cheese or feta cheese for the brie cheese.
3. Add some chopped nuts or seeds, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds, to the spinach-cranberry-brie mixture for added crunch.
4. Serve with roasted vegetables or a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
The Story Behind Cranberry & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie:
This recipe combines the sweetness of cranberries with the earthiness of spinach and the creaminess of brie cheese. The result is a dish that's both elegant and flavorful, perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.