Tired of bland, dry chicken breasts that leave your family pushing food around their plates? I know that feeling all too well. As Emma from GusRecipes, I’ve transformed countless kitchen disasters into dinner triumphs, and this Cranberry Spinach Chicken with brie is my absolute favorite rescue mission! This recipe delivers juicy chicken breasts bursting with tangy cranberries, earthy spinach, and melty brie that creates a sauce so good you’ll want to lick your plate (I won’t judge—I’ve done it myself!).

When I first created this recipe during a particularly hectic holiday season, I needed something that felt special but didn’t require hours in the kitchen. Now it’s become my go-to for everything from weeknight family dinners to impressive entertaining. In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect chicken, preparing it for maximum flavor, and my foolproof cooking method that guarantees juicy results every time. Plus, I’ll share serving suggestions and helpful FAQs to make this dish your new secret weapon!

Why This Cranberry Spinach Chicken Recipe Works

Creates perfectly juicy chicken with a foolproof stuffing technique
Combines sweet-tart cranberries with creamy brie for irresistible flavor balance
Prep takes just 15 minutes with simple ingredients you might already have
Impressive enough for special occasions but easy enough for Tuesday night
Naturally gluten-free with easy modifications for dietary needs

Choosing the Right Chicken for Cranberry Spinach Chicken

Best Cuts for This Recipe

For this Cranberry Spinach Chicken recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star. Look for thick breasts that are at least 1½ inches at their thickest point they’re easier to butterfly and stuff without tearing. If your chicken breasts are particularly large, you can cut them in half horizontally to create two thinner cutlets.

Buying Tips

When shopping for chicken for your Cranberry Spinach Chicken, look for:

Plump, firm breasts with a pinkish color (avoid any with gray tones)
No strong odor (fresh chicken has minimal smell)
Packages without excess liquid (indicates fresher chicken)
Organic or free-range options for better flavor (though conventional works fine too)

Substitutions

If chicken breasts aren’t available, consider these alternatives for your Cranberry Spinach Chicken:

Boneless chicken thighs (adjust cooking time up by about 5-7 minutes)
Turkey breast cutlets (reduce cooking time by about 3-5 minutes)
Tofu steaks (for a vegetarian version, use extra-firm tofu pressed and sliced)

Ingredients & Prep for Cranberry Spinach Chicken

Chicken Prep Essentials

Properly preparing chicken for this Cranberry Spinach Chicken recipe is crucial for even cooking:

Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, leaving one edge intact
Open like a book and place between plastic wrap
Gently pound to even ½-inch thickness with a meat mallet or heavy skillet
Pat dry with paper towels before seasoning (helps create a better sear)

Flavor Components

4 butterflied chicken breasts
8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and sliced
1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
⅓ cup dried cranberries
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Pantry Staples

These everyday ingredients elevate your Cranberry Spinach Chicken:

Good quality olive oil (for searing)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (seasoning layers)
Chicken broth (creates steam for tender chicken)
Balsamic glaze (optional but adds incredible flavor depth)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Cranberry Spinach Chicken

Pre-Cooking Chicken Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare a baking dish with non-stick spray
Season the inside of each butterflied chicken breast with salt and pepper
Layer spinach leaves across one half of each opened chicken breast
Add brie slices on top of spinach, followed by cranberries and minced garlic
Sprinkle with thyme leaves

Cooking Method for Chicken

Fold chicken breasts closed and secure with toothpicks if necessary
Season the outside with salt and pepper
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat
Sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden
Pour ¼ cup chicken broth around (not over) the chicken
Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes

Doneness Check for Chicken

The key to perfect Cranberry Spinach Chicken is proper temperature:

Use an instant-read thermometer to check for 165°F at the thickest part
Clear (not pink) juices should run when chicken is pierced
If stuffing is exposed, it should be hot and cheese completely melted

Resting Your Chicken

Allow the Cranberry Spinach Chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving:

Removes toothpicks if used
Allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat
Prevents dry chicken and lets filling set slightly

Pro Tips for Perfect Cranberry Spinach Chicken

Avoiding Tough/Dry Chicken

Don’t skip the searing step it locks in moisture
Use a meat thermometer rather than cutting to check doneness
Remove chicken from oven when it reaches 160°F it will continue cooking to 165°F while resting
If your chicken breasts are small, reduce cooking time accordingly

Tool Recommendations

For foolproof Cranberry Spinach Chicken:

Instant-read meat thermometer
Cast-iron or oven-safe skillet
Sharp chef’s knife for butterflying
Meat mallet or heavy-bottomed pan for pounding

Storage & Reheating

Keep your Cranberry Spinach Chicken fresh:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheat in a 325°F oven covered with foil until just warmed through (about 15 minutes)
Add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth before reheating to maintain moisture

Flavor Variations for Cranberry Spinach Chicken

Herb Enhancements

Rosemary & Orange: Add 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary and 1 teaspoon orange zest to the filling
Italian Inspired: Substitute basil for thyme and add 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomatoes
Fresh Summer Version: Add fresh tarragon and a squeeze of lemon juice

Cheese Alternatives

Goat Cheese: Substitute for a tangier flavor that pairs beautifully with cranberries
Fontina: Melts wonderfully for a milder, nutty flavor
Dairy-Free: Use a cashew-based cheese substitute and add nutritional yeast for depth

Fruit Variations

Dried Cherries: Swap for cranberries for a deeper, slightly sweeter flavor
Apricots & Pistachios: Use chopped dried apricots and add 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
Apple & Walnut: Add thin apple slices and chopped walnuts for autumn flavor

Variation	Main Ingredients	Prep Time	Best For
Classic	Brie, cranberries, spinach	15 min	Everyday elegance
Mediterranean	Goat cheese, olives, sun-dried tomatoes	15 min	Summer dining
Autumn Harvest	Brie, apple slices, walnuts	20 min	Fall gatherings
Holiday Special	Brie, cranberries, bacon jam	20 min	Festive occasions

Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Spinach Chicken

This Cranberry Spinach Chicken pairs beautifully with:

Wild rice pilaf with toasted almonds
Roasted brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze
Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
Buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce
Roasted butternut squash with sage for a perfect fall meal

For a complete dinner party menu, add crusty artisan bread and finish with a light lemon sorbet or berry cobbler for dessert.

Love what you see? Find more seasonal inspiration on my Pinterest page where I share weekly meal plans and creative dinner party ideas!

FAQs about Cranberry Spinach Chicken

Can I prepare Cranberry Spinach Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can stuff the chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking.

What if my brie is oozing out during cooking?
That’s perfectly normal! The cheese will create a delicious sauce. If it’s escaping too much, make sure your chicken is properly secured with toothpicks and your slits aren’t too deep.

Can I use frozen spinach for this Cranberry Spinach Chicken?
While fresh is best for texture, you can use frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw completely and squeeze out all excess moisture before using.

How do I know if the chicken is cooked through?
The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part, which should read 165°F. The juices should run clear, not pink, when pierced.

Can I freeze this Cranberry Spinach Chicken?
Yes, though the texture of the brie may change slightly. Freeze individual portions, wrapped well, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about transforming simple chicken breasts into something as special as this Cranberry Spinach Chicken. The combination of tangy cranberries, creamy brie, and earthy spinach creates layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What I love most about this recipe is how it bridges the gap between everyday cooking and special occasions. Whether you’re treating yourself on a Tuesday or hosting friends for dinner, this dish delivers that perfect balance of impressive yet achievable.

Don’t forget to leave a comment below if you try this recipe! I’d love to hear how it turned out and any creative variations you discovered along the way. And remember, cooking is about joy and connection—so have fun with it!

Cranberry Spinach Chicken: Brie-lliant Dinner Magic!

Author: Emma Emma
Total Time: 35–40 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Tender seared chicken breasts simmered in a slightly sweet, tangy cranberry sauce with fresh spinach an easy, vibrant weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 small onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

1/4 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup orange juice (or apple cider)

2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh)

3–4 cups fresh spinach

Optional: orange zest for garnish

Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, sauté onion until softened.

4. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds.

5. Stir in cranberries, chicken broth, orange juice, honey, Dijon, and thyme.

6. Simmer 5 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce begins to thicken.

7. Return chicken to the skillet; spoon sauce over the top.

8. Simmer 10–15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

9. Stir in fresh spinach until wilted.

10. Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste; garnish with orange zest if desired.

11. Serve warm with rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

Use dried cranberries only if fresh/frozen are unavailable—reduce honey accordingly.

For creamier sauce, stir in 2 tbsp heavy cream at the end.

Great meal-prep dish; sauce becomes even better the next day.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25–30 mins
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Calories: 310

Keywords: cranberry chicken, spinach chicken, easy chicken skillet