Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 4 oz Brie cheese, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
- Season the inside and outside of each chicken breast with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- Stuff each chicken breast with slices of Brie cheese. Ensure they’re evenly distributed inside the pocket.
- Add a tablespoon of dried cranberries and a bit of chopped spinach to each chicken breast.
- Gently press the filling inside to keep it in place, but avoid overfilling to prevent it from leaking out during cooking.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet.
- Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. This step locks in the juices and gives the chicken a flavorful crust.
Step 4: Add Herbs and Honey
- Sprinkle the chopped rosemary and thyme evenly over the chicken breasts.
- If desired, drizzle a small amount of honey on top to enhance the sweetness and balance the savory flavors.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the Brie is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This step ensures the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Avoid Overfilling: Too much stuffing can make the chicken difficult to seal and cause the filling to leak.
- Secure with Toothpicks: If needed, use toothpicks to close the pockets and keep the filling intact while cooking. Remember to remove them before serving.
- Skillet Selection: An oven-safe skillet makes transferring from stovetop to oven seamless. If you don’t have one, transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish before baking.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Protein: 35 g