If you’re searching for a recipe that’s sure to dazzle at any dinner table, look no further than this vorful Showstopper
50 minutes
2 servings. Imagine juicy chicken breasts stuffed with creamy Brie and a tangy homemade cranberry sauce, all finished with a golden, buttery breadcrumb crust. It’s a dish that balances sweet, savory, and rich flavors, making every bite a true delight. Whether it’s a special occasion or you’re just looking to treat yourself (and someone lucky), this meal is bound to become a treasured favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this vorful Showstopper
50 minutes
2 servings is that every ingredient plays a starring role. You don’t need a long shopping list—just these essentials that each add something unique to the final masterpiece, from bright pops of cranberry to the creamy decadence of Brie.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and perfect for stuffing, these are the canvas for your showstopper.
- Olive Oil: Adds flavor and helps brown the chicken beautifully in the pan.
- Fresh Cranberries: They bring a tart burst that balances the richness of the cheese and chicken.
- Honey: Offers natural sweetness to round out the cranberry sauce.
- Orange Juice: Lends brightness and a citrusy zing to the cranberry filling.
- Ground Cinnamon: A warm spice that deepens the flavor of the cranberry sauce.
- Ground Ginger: Adds a gentle heat and aromatic kick to the mix.
- Salt: Enhances every ingredient and ties the flavors together.
- Black Pepper: Provides just the right amount of mild heat.
- Brie Cheese: Creamy, luscious, and melty—Brie makes the stuffing irresistible.
- Fresh Parsley: For a pop of color and a hint of freshness to finish the dish.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These crisp up beautifully, giving your chicken a golden, crunchy topping.
- Butter: Melted and tossed with panko for that signature, restaurant-worthy crust.
How to Make vorful Showstopper
50 minutes
2 servings
Step 1: Make the Cranberry Sauce
Start by heating olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the fresh cranberries and cook, stirring, until they soften and begin to burst, about five minutes. Next, stir in the honey, orange juice, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and black pepper. Let this mixture simmer for three to four minutes until it thickens and becomes jammy. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool—you want it to be spreadable but not hot when you stuff the chicken. This step sets the stage for the signature flavor of your vorful Showstopper
50 minutes
2 servings.
Step 2: Prepare and Stuff the Chicken Breasts
With a sharp knife, cut a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to slice all the way through. Fill each pocket with pieces of creamy Brie cheese and a generous spoonful of your cooled cranberry mixture. Secure the openings with toothpicks to keep all that goodness tucked inside while cooking.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil if needed. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for two to three minutes on each side, just until they’re golden and gorgeous. This quick sear locks in juices and adds a lovely color to your vorful Showstopper
50 minutes
2 servings.
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping
Mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl until every crumb is coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the seared chicken breasts, gently pressing to help it stick. The buttery panko forms a crisp, golden crust that’s impossible to resist.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your skillet to a preheated oven set at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The cheese will be molten, the cranberry sauce bubbling, and the topping golden brown—this is the moment your vorful Showstopper
50 minutes
2 servings truly lives up to its name.
Step 6: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Once the chicken is done, let it rest for five minutes before removing the toothpicks. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and a burst of freshness. Now you’re ready to serve your new favorite centerpiece!
How to Serve vorful Showstopper
50 minutes
2 servings
Garnishes
A flourish of freshly chopped parsley is classic, but you can also try a light zesting of orange over the top to echo the flavors inside. A few extra whole cranberries or a drizzle of the leftover cranberry sauce look stunning and add a playful, festive touch to each plate.
Side Dishes
This vorful Showstopper
50 minutes
2 servings pairs beautifully with simple sides that let its flavors shine. Think creamy mashed potatoes, garlicky green beans, or a crisp arugula salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette. Even a rustic loaf of bread to mop up the luscious sauce is a welcome addition!
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow-worthy presentation, slice the stuffed chicken breasts on a diagonal and fan them out on each plate to show off the colorful filling. Arrange them atop a bed of greens or roasted vegetables, then spoon a bit of extra cranberry sauce on the side for dipping. If you’re hosting, bring the whole skillet to the table for a rustic, family-style feel—just be ready for the applause!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), let the chicken cool completely before wrapping tightly or transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making lunch the next day a real treat.
Freezing
This vorful Showstopper
50 minutes
2 servings can be frozen after baking. Wrap each chicken breast individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. For a crispy topping, avoid microwaving. You can add a splash of broth or water to the pan and cover with foil to keep everything moist, removing the foil for the last few minutes to let the breadcrumbs crisp up.
FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Fresh cranberries provide the signature tartness and juiciness, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use unsweetened dried cranberries. Just soak them in warm water or orange juice for about 10 minutes to plump them up before making the sauce.
What’s the best way to keep the stuffing inside the chicken?
Cutting a deep but not through-and-through pocket is key, and securing the opening with toothpicks does wonders. Don’t overstuff—leave just enough room for the filling to melt and mingle without leaking out.
Can I substitute another cheese for Brie?
Absolutely! While Brie is creamy and mild, you can swap in Camembert, fontina, or even a good-quality mozzarella for a different twist. Keep in mind that each cheese will melt a bit differently, but all will be delicious in this vorful Showstopper
50 minutes
2 servings.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No problem! Sear the stuffed chicken breasts in any skillet, then transfer them to a baking dish lined with parchment paper or lightly greased before adding the panko topping and baking. The results will be just as impressive.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the cranberry sauce and stuff the chicken up to a day in advance. Store the stuffed breasts covered in the refrigerator, then proceed with searing, topping, and baking when you’re ready. This makes the vorful Showstopper
50 minutes
2 servings a fantastic option for entertaining!
Final Thoughts
This recipe is more than just dinner—it’s a celebration of flavors and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don’t wait for a holiday to treat yourself to the vorful Showstopper
50 minutes
2 servings. Gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and get ready to wow your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to share your table!
vorful Showstopper 50 minutes 2 servings Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken recipe is a flavorful and elegant dish perfect for special occasions or a gourmet weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with creamy Brie cheese and a tangy, spiced cranberry sauce, then topped with a buttery panko crust and baked to perfection. A delightful balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Chicken and Stuffing
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Cranberry Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the cranberry sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the fresh cranberries and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to soften and burst, about 5 minutes. Stir in the honey, orange juice, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature.
- Stuff the chicken breasts: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Stuff each pocket evenly with the Brie cheese pieces and a generous spoonful of the cooled cranberry sauce. Secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Preheat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a nice golden-brown crust. This step adds flavor and helps seal in the juices.
- Add breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter, stirring until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the seared chicken breasts, pressing lightly to help it adhere.
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer, indicating the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Remove the toothpicks, garnish the chicken breasts with the chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm for an impressive and delicious meal.
Notes
- Removing the rind from Brie is optional; it can be eaten but may alter the texture slightly.
- Fresh cranberries can be substituted with frozen if fresh are not available; just thaw before use.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F.
- To make preparation easier, prepare the cranberry sauce in advance and refrigerate until needed.
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
- For a nut-free version, ensure panko breadcrumbs are safe or substitute with crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
