🧀 Cranberry & Spinach Chicken with Brie
This Cranberry & Spinach Chicken with Brie is dinner in 35 minutes. Chicken breasts get a pocket of wilted spinach and melted Brie, then bake with tart cranberries, rosemary, and extra-virgin olive oil. The pan juices turn into a glossy sauce on their own.
I love how the Brie softens into the spinach. The cranberries stay whole on top, and that extra rosemary is not optional. 🌿
Jump to Recipe ↓ 🧀
Why You’ll Love This Chicken 🌿
- 🧀 Melted Brie in the center
- 🥬 Garlicky spinach filling
- 🍒 Tart cranberries on top
- 🌿 Fresh rosemary in the pan
- 🫒 Extra-virgin olive oil, not a heavy cream sauce
- 🍽️ Dinner in 35 minutes
- 🥗 Anti-inflammatory Mediterranean-style bake
Why This Dish Fits an Anti-Inflammatory Mediterranean Plate
Chicken, leafy spinach, extra-virgin olive oil, and rosemary are the Mediterranean base. Cranberries add a tart bite without a sugary glaze. Brie is the modest cheese in the pocket — enough to melt, not enough to turn the dish into a cream bake.
Cut a pocket in the thick side of each breast so the filling stays put. Sear first for color, then finish in the oven with the cranberries and rosemary in the same dish.
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
Can I use fresh cranberries? 🍒
Yes. They stay tarter than dried. If you use dried, a 10-minute soak in warm water keeps them from stealing moisture from the pan.
What if I cannot find Brie? 🧀
Camembert melts the same way. Fresh mozzarella or a little goat cheese also work. Brie matches the photo.
How do I keep the filling inside? 📌
Do not overfill, and sear the stuffed side first for 30 seconds if a pocket wants to open. Toothpicks help if the breasts are thin.
Can I skip the sear? 🔥
You can bake only, but the golden top in the photo comes from a quick skillet sear before the oven.
🧀 Cranberry & Spinach Chicken with Brie
Ingredients 🛒
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 4 oz (115 g) Brie, cut into cubes
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries, plus extra for the pan
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped, plus 2 small sprigs
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Pan
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions 👩🍳
- Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut a pocket into the thick side of each chicken breast. Season inside and out with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and spinach and cook until the spinach wilts, 1–2 minutes. Cool slightly.
- Stuff each pocket with spinach, a few cubes of Brie, and a pinch of cranberries. Do not overfill.
- Heat the remaining olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Add the broth, balsamic, lemon juice, extra cranberries, and rosemary sprigs to the pan.
- Transfer to the oven and bake 12–15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (165°F / 74°C) and the Brie is soft. Rest 3 minutes. Spoon the pan juices over the top and serve.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per serving (1 breast) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Protein | 40g |
| Net carbohydrates | 10g |
| Total carbohydrates | 11g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Total fat | 18g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
Estimates based on chicken breast, spinach, Brie, cranberries, and extra-virgin olive oil. Exact numbers vary with breast size and how much cheese you tuck inside.
Notes & Tips 💡
- If the breasts are huge, slice them in half horizontally instead of stuffing a thick pocket.
- Extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic make the pan sauce. You do not need a separate glaze.
- Rosemary in the dish is what makes this taste like a Mediterranean table roast.
- Let the chicken rest so the Brie stays in the pocket when you cut it.
- This is best eaten right away while the cheese is still soft.
This Cranberry & Spinach Chicken with Brie is tart, herby, and done in 35 minutes. A simple bake built on olive oil, spinach, rosemary, and melted Brie. 🧀🌿
If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out — leave a comment or tag me!
