© Original Recipe By The Sizzle Spot ©
🎉✨ Easy Holiday Cranberry Brie Chicken: A Festive & Savory Delight! 🦃🧀
1. Introduction
Looking for an effortless yet spectacular dish to impress during your holiday gatherings? The easy holiday cranberry brie chicken combines tender, juicy chicken with luscious brie cheese and tart cranberry sauce for a flavor-packed experience. This dish is perfect for those chilly winter evenings, offering a warm, aromatic profile that captures the spirit of the season. Trust me, once you bite into this flavorful creation, it will become a new holiday tradition!
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute celebrations.
- One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying with loved ones.
- Flavorful combination: The sweet-tart cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with creamy brie and savory chicken.
- Versatile: Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite pasta for a complete meal.
3. Ingredient Notes
This cranberry brie chicken recipe hinges on high-quality ingredients to really shine. Opt for fresh cranberries during the holiday season—they’re more vibrant and aromatic than frozen ones. For the cheese, choose a creamy, mild brie that melts easily and infuses the dish with a rich, buttery flavor. When selecting chicken, skinless, boneless breasts work best for even cooking and a tender bite. To enhance flavors, consider using organic or free-range chicken if available. A splash of good-quality white wine or chicken broth adds depth, while a touch of honey or brown sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
To craft this decadent holiday chicken recipe, having the right tools makes all the difference. Check out this Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer for quickly crisping or roasting your chicken to perfection—great for achieving crispy edges without excess oil. A high-quality T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set ensures even heat distribution for simmering sauces and melty cheese. For an all-in-one solution, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer can handle multiple cooking tasks, making your holiday prep seamless and efficient.
5. How to Make Easy Holiday Cranberry Brie Chicken
Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high and add a splash of oil. When the oil shimmers, sear the chicken on each side until golden brown—about 3-4 minutes per side. The aroma of seared meat and caramelizing juices will fill your kitchen. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
Add Cranberry Sauce & Brie
Spread a generous dollop of tart cranberry sauce over each chicken breast. Then, top with slices of creamy brie cheese. The cheese should soften and melt beautifully during baking, creating a silky layer of decadence. You’ll notice the cranberries bubbling and releasing their vibrant aroma, signaling that your dish is nearing perfection.
Bake & Finish
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melty and bubbly. The combination of sweet cranberries and smooth brie will create a tempting aroma that makes everyone eager to dig in. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added texture.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Use chicken breasts about 1-inch thick for even cooking—you can pound them to uniform thickness if needed.
- Temporarily cover the skillet with foil or a lid while baking to lock in moisture and facilitate melting.
- For a hint of spice, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce before baking.
- Make ahead: Assemble the dish, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for a stress-free holiday meal.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you’re looking to switch things up, try substituting goat cheese or Swiss cheese for brie. For a dairy-free version, opt for a plant-based cheese and use coconut oil instead of butter when searing. To make it healthier, serve over cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables instead of carbs. Additionally, swap the cranberry sauce for apple chutney or orange marmalade for a different sweet-tart twist.
8. Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until warmed through. For best results, reheat without overcooking the chicken, keeping it tender and juicy.
9. FAQ
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Bake when ready for a warm, comforting meal.
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Thawed cranberries work just as well. Just simmer them a little longer to break down and meld with the sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Just ensure your ingredients, like the cranberries and cheese, are unmarred by gluten-containing additives.
10. Conclusion
This easy holiday cranberry brie chicken is the epitome of festive comfort — tender chicken topped with creamy brie and tart cranberries, baked to perfection. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a holiday feast, it combines simplicity with elegance. Serve this crowd-pleaser alongside your favorite sides and enjoy a memorable, flavorful celebration!
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Easy Holiday Cranberry Brie Chicken
An easy holiday dinner featuring baked chicken topped with melted brie cheese and accompanied by a vibrant cranberry sauce. Perfect for a cozy family meal or holiday special.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 8 oz brie cheese, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish.
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice over medium heat. Cook until cranberries burst and sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
- Spread cranberry sauce over the chicken and top each breast with slices of brie cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor.
- Can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or holiday sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Bake, Sear, Simmer
- Cuisine: Holiday
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 420 Kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 125mg