Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breast: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breast: Prepare to elevate your weeknight dinner game with a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious! Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy, perfectly cooked chicken breast, bursting with a sweet and tangy cranberry filling. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.

While the exact origins of stuffing chicken breast are somewhat debated, the concept of stuffing poultry with flavorful ingredients has been around for centuries. Cultures worldwide have long embraced the art of enhancing lean meats with complementary fillings, and this particular combination of cranberries and chicken has become a modern classic, especially around the holidays.

What makes Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breast so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet. The cranberries provide a delightful tartness that cuts through the richness of the chicken, while the stuffing itself adds a layer of comforting warmth. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a simple weeknight meal. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that offers a healthy and flavorful alternative to everyday chicken dishes. I think you’ll find this recipe is a fantastic way to impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (or cream cheese)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, chicken broth can be substituted)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Cranberry Stuffing:

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of this dish – the cranberry stuffing! This is where all the delicious flavors come together, and trust me, it’s super easy to make.

1. Combine the cranberries, nuts, goat cheese, and rosemary: In a medium-sized bowl, toss together the dried cranberries, chopped pecans (or walnuts), crumbled goat cheese (or cream cheese), and chopped fresh rosemary. Make sure everything is nicely combined so you get a little bit of each ingredient in every bite.
2. Set aside: Once the stuffing is mixed, just set it aside for now. We’ll need it later when we prepare the chicken breasts.

Preparing the Chicken Breasts:

Now, let’s move on to the chicken. We need to create a pocket in each breast to hold all that yummy cranberry stuffing. Don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it sounds!

1. Pound the chicken breasts: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a large resealable bag. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easier to stuff. Be careful not to pound them too thin, or they might tear.
2. Create a pocket: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal slit into the side of each chicken breast, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through to the other side. You want to create a pouch that you can fill with the cranberry stuffing. The size of the pocket will depend on the size of your chicken breasts, but aim for a pocket that’s large enough to hold a generous amount of stuffing.
3. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the inside and outside of each chicken breast. This will add a nice flavor to the chicken and help it brown nicely during cooking.

Stuffing and Securing the Chicken:

Time to bring the stuffing and the chicken together! This is where the magic happens.

1. Stuff the chicken breasts: Carefully spoon the cranberry stuffing into the pocket of each chicken breast. Don’t overstuff them, or the stuffing might spill out during cooking. Aim for a generous amount of stuffing, but leave a little bit of room at the edges.
2. Secure the chicken breasts: To prevent the stuffing from falling out during cooking, you can secure the opening of each chicken breast with toothpicks or kitchen twine. If using toothpicks, insert them at an angle to hold the edges of the chicken together. If using kitchen twine, tie a knot at one end and then wrap the twine around the chicken breast several times, securing the opening. Tie off the twine at the other end.

Cooking the Chicken:

Now for the cooking part! We’re going to sear the chicken in a pan and then finish it off in the oven. This will give it a nice golden-brown crust and ensure that it’s cooked through.

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown. Searing the chicken helps to lock in the juices and gives it a nice flavor.
3. Deglaze the pan (optional): If you want to add even more flavor to the chicken, you can deglaze the pan after searing. Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside. Add the white wine (or chicken broth) to the skillet and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will create a delicious sauce that you can drizzle over the chicken later.
4. Bake the chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts back in the skillet (or transfer them to a baking dish if your skillet isn’t oven-safe). Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken breasts. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
5. Rest the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast.

Making the Dijon Sauce (Optional):

While the chicken is resting, you can whip up a quick and easy Dijon sauce to drizzle over it. This adds a tangy and flavorful touch that really complements the cranberry stuffing.

1. Combine the ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and any pan juices you reserved from deglazing the pan.
2. Adjust to taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add a pinch of salt and pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra tang.

Serving:

Finally, it’s time to serve your delicious Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breast! Here are a few tips for making it look and taste its best.

1. Remove toothpicks or twine: Before serving, be sure to remove any toothpicks or kitchen twine that you used to secure the chicken breasts.
2. Slice the chicken: Slice each chicken breast into thick slices and arrange them on a serving platter. This makes it easier to see the beautiful cranberry stuffing inside.
3. Drizzle with sauce: Drizzle the Dijon sauce (if you made it) over the sliced chicken breasts.
4. Garnish: Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a pop of color and aroma.
5. Serve with sides: Serve the Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breast with your favorite side dishes. Some great options include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a simple salad.

Conclusion:

This Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breast isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to experience it. The combination of juicy chicken, tart cranberries, savory stuffing, and that hint of sweetness is simply divine. It’s a dish that’s impressive enough for a special occasion, yet easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. Seriously, what’s not to love? Think of it: tender chicken, bursting with a festive, flavorful filling. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I promise you’ll be getting requests for the recipe left and right. But beyond just being delicious, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Serving Suggestions and Variations: For a complete meal, I love serving this Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breast with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts and a creamy mashed sweet potato. The sweetness of the potato complements the tartness of the cranberries beautifully. Alternatively, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken. But don’t feel limited by my suggestions! Feel free to get creative and experiment with different variations. * Stuffing Swaps: Not a fan of traditional bread stuffing? Try using wild rice or quinoa for a healthier twist. You could even add some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch. * Cheese Please: A sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese over the finished chicken adds a tangy, creamy element that’s simply irresistible. * Sauce It Up: While the chicken is delicious on its own, a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a cranberry sauce reduction elevates it to another level. * Spice It Right: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing for a subtle kick of heat. * Herb Heaven: Experiment with different herbs in the stuffing. Sage, thyme, and rosemary all work wonderfully with cranberries and chicken. The possibilities are endless! This recipe is a fantastic base for you to build upon and create your own signature dish. It’s all about making it your own and enjoying the process. Time to Get Cooking! I truly believe that this Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breast will become a new favorite in your household. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and elegant, perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some culinary magic. Don’t be intimidated by the “stuffed” part – it’s actually quite simple, and I’ve provided clear and easy-to-follow instructions. And remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on things. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. And more importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Please, share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Let’s spread the joy of this amazing Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe far and wide! Happy cooking!

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