Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with creamy brie, sweet dried cranberries, and fresh spinach—finished with a luscious honey balsamic glaze. A stunning yet simple dinner idea!
Servings & Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Dietary Tags: High-Protein, Elegant Dinner, Gluten-Free
📝 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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½ cup fresh spinach, chopped
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⅓ cup dried cranberries
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4 oz brie cheese, sliced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon dried thyme
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Glaze:
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2 tablespoons honey
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1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
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¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cut a deep pocket into each chicken breast without slicing all the way through.
Step 2: Stuff the Chicken
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Fill each pocket with chopped spinach, dried cranberries, and brie slices.
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Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
Step 3: Season
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Rub the outside of each chicken breast with olive oil.
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Sprinkle garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken.
Step 4: Cook
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Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
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Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
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Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
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While the chicken bakes, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small saucepan.
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Warm over low heat for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Serve
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Drizzle the glaze over the cooked chicken.
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Serve warm, garnished with extra fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
💡 Notes & Tips
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Cheese swap: Camembert or goat cheese can be used instead of brie for a different flavor.
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Dried cranberries: Use unsweetened to reduce sugar and W-W points.
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Glaze shortcut: Store-bought balsamic glaze works in a pinch!
📸 Step-by-Step Guide
(Suggested photo ideas: chicken breasts cut open → stuffing in place → seasoned chicken searing → baked chicken drizzled with glaze)
Pro Tip: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to keep it juicy and flavorful.
🥄 Ingredient Insights & Swaps
Why these ingredients?
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Chicken breast: Lean, high-protein base.
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Spinach & cranberries: Add freshness and sweetness.
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Brie: Creamy, melty texture.
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Honey balsamic glaze: Balances sweet and tangy notes.
Substitutions:
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Swap dried cranberries for chopped fresh apple or pear for fewer points.
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Use a low-sugar honey substitute if preferred.
🎨 Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Add-Ins:
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Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the stuffing for crunch (adds points).
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Mix a bit of rosemary or sage into the spinach filling for extra herb flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
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Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans.
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Serve with a small baked sweet potato or cauliflower mash for a balanced meal.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
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Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
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Make-Ahead Tip: Stuff the chicken a few hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to cook.
🔎 Nutrition & W-W Points (per serving estimate)**
Calories: ~350 kcal | Protein: ~30g | Carbs: ~10g | Fat: ~20g
W-W Points (per serving, based on 4 servings):
➡️ 7 Points (with regular brie and honey)
➡️ 6 Points if using light brie and reducing honey slightly.
W-W Points may vary depending on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes. For accuracy, enter your exact ingredients into the W-W app.
Allergens: Milk (brie), potential nuts if adding optional toppings
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I grill this instead of baking?
A: Yes! Sear on the grill over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side, then finish cooking indirectly until done.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs?
A: Boneless, skinless thighs work but will increase the W-W points slightly.
Q: Can I omit the glaze?
A: Absolutely—though the glaze adds flavor, skipping it saves 1–2 points per serving.
📝 The Story Behind the Recipe
This recipe was created when I wanted to impress guests with a dish that looked gourmet but was actually simple to prepare. The combination of brie, cranberries, and balsamic glaze hits every note—creamy, sweet, tangy, and savory!
🗨️ Let’s Chat!
Did you try this stuffed chicken? What sides did you pair it with? Share your version or tag me—I’d love to see your creations!