Bacon Cranberry Brie Chicken

The holidays always inspire me to get creative with classic comfort food and this bacon wrapped cranberry brie stuffed chicken is the easiest way to bring festive flavors straight to your weeknight table. Each chicken breast is filled with creamy brie and bright cranberry sauce then snugly wrapped in savory bacon before roasting to juicy perfection.

I came up with this dish years ago for a friendsgiving and since then it always sparks requests whenever I want to impress guests without extra effort. The combination of brie and cranberry surprises people every time.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Choose boneless skinless cuts for easy stuffing and quick cook times Look for chicken that is plump and pale pink to ensure freshness
• Brie: Soft creamy cheese melts beautifully and its rich flavor complements the other ingredients Opt for a wedge with a pliable rind and fresh aroma
• Cranberry sauce: Use whole berry or jellied sauce for a sweet tart backbone Homemade sauce works beautifully here too
• Bacon: Choose thinly sliced bacon so it cooks up crisp and wraps snugly Look for even fat marbling to evenly baste the chicken
• Salt and pepper: A little goes a long way to bring out the main flavors Use freshly cracked pepper and kosher salt for best results
• Toothpicks: Optional but help secure any runaway bacon strips if needed

Instructions

Prep the Oven:

Set your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred Celsius Allow it to preheat fully for even browning

Prepare the Chicken:

Place chicken breasts on a sturdy cutting board Using a sharp knife slice each breast lengthways about three quarters of the way through You want to create a pocket but leave the back intact to make folding easy

Season the Meat:

Generously sprinkle both sides and inside the pocket of each breast with salt and pepper This adds depth at every bite

Stuff with Brie and Cranberry:

Divide the brie and cranberry sauce equally Lay the brie and a spoonful or two of cranberry sauce right in the center pocket Try to keep them centered so the filling stays put

Wrap with Bacon:

Fold each breast closed and wrap tightly with bacon strips Overlap each slice slightly so it seals in the filling Secure loose ends with toothpicks if needed for extra hold

Bake to Crispy Perfection:

Transfer wrapped breasts to a parchment lined baking tray Place seam side down so they hold their shape Roast for twenty to twenty five minutes until bacon turns golden and crisp and chicken reaches an internal temperature of one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit

Rest and Serve:

Remove from oven and let rest under loose foil for five minutes This locks in the juices Slice and serve

Brie is the star for me Its creaminess enriches everything else My mom always snuck a slice of brie while we cooked together and now it is my turn whenever I make this recipe

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days Wrap tightly and reheat gently so the cheese does not separate Avoid microwaving for too long to preserve the bacon texture. Slice before reheating for even warmth

Ingredient Swaps

Try goat cheese for a tangier bite or swap for mozzarella if you are not a brie fan Fig or apricot preserves also work in place of cranberry sauce Turkey bacon or prosciutto make great substitutions for pork bacon and add a healthier or different flavor twist

How to Serve

Serve with roasted green beans or honey glazed carrots for a festive spread A crisp green salad brightens the richness If you want to make it extra special drizzle with pan juices or a touch more cranberry sauce right before serving

Festive Roots

This style of stuffed chicken is inspired by classic French and American entertaining where bold cheese and fruit meet savory meats Brie and cranberry are a nod to holiday favorites that appeared on every buffet table growing up in my family

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap cranberry for fresh or frozen blackberries when they are plentiful Try cherry preserves in the summer for a different take Use herby goat cheese and homemade pesto in the spring

Success Stories

If you have kids at the table this is a fun way to get them excited about chicken because melty cheese and bacon cures all dinnertime woes. I once made these for a last minute dinner party not realizing a guest hated traditional cranberry sauce and she raved so much she asked for the recipe anyway. This chicken wins everyone over.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Stuffed and wrapped chicken breasts freeze beautifully before baking Wrap individually and freeze up to two months Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as normal You may need to add a few more minutes to the cook time

This show stopping stuffed chicken recipe is destined to be a holiday hit or weeknight favorite. Give it a try and let the flavors bring a little festive magic to your table.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of brie?

Yes, soft cheeses like camembert or mozzarella will work if you prefer a different creamy texture or flavor profile.

→ How do I keep the fillings from oozing out?

Keep the cheese and cranberry sauce in the center and wrap the bacon tightly. Using toothpicks helps hold everything together during baking.

→ Is it necessary to cook the bacon before wrapping?

No pre-cooking is needed; the bacon crisps up in the oven as it wraps around the chicken breasts.

→ How do I know when the chicken is done?

Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear before removing from the oven.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve with roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or mashed potatoes to complement the rich flavors of the chicken.