Mediterranean Brie & Cranberry Stuffed Chicken with Lemon Honey Finish
Mediterranean Brie and Cranberry Stuffed Chicken is the kind of dish that feels festive without being complicated. It combines tender chicken breasts with creamy brie, tart cranberries, and a light lemon honey finish that pulls everything together. The Mediterranean influence shows up in the use of olive oil, citrus, and herbs, keeping the flavors balanced and clean rather than heavy. As the chicken bakes, the brie melts into the filling, the cranberries add brightness, and the lemon honey glaze brings a gentle sweetness that feels just right. This recipe works beautifully for a special dinner, holiday table, or any night when you want something a little more impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 10 portions
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Chicken
5 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
200 g brie cheese, sliced
¾ cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Lemon Honey Finish
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Pat the chicken breasts dry. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a deep pocket into the side of each breast without cutting all the way through.
Season the inside and outside of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano.
Stuff each pocket with slices of brie and a spoonful of dried cranberries. Press gently to close.
Secure the openings with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling inside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and olive oil.
Spoon the lemon honey mixture evenly over the chicken.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Rest briefly before serving.
Tips
Use chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking.
Brie should be cold when slicing for easier handling.
Do not overstuff the chicken to avoid leakage.
Searing adds flavor and helps seal the chicken.
Toothpicks help keep the filling in place during baking.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
Spoon pan juices over the chicken before serving.
Remove toothpicks before serving.
Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for balance.
Variations
Add chopped spinach to the stuffing for extra color.
Replace cranberries with dried cherries or figs.
Use goat cheese instead of brie for a tangier filling.
Add a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat.
Use rosemary instead of thyme for a deeper herbal note.
Finish with a splash of white wine in the baking dish.
Wrap stuffed chicken with thin turkey or prosciutto slices.
Add crushed walnuts to the filling for texture.
Use orange juice and zest instead of lemon.
Grill the chicken instead of baking for a smoky flavor.
Q & A
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, stuff the chicken in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Is brie safe to cook?
Yes, it melts beautifully and becomes creamy.
Can I use fresh cranberries?
Yes, but lightly sweeten them first.
How do I know the chicken is done?
Internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F).
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Will the cheese leak out?
Some melting is normal, but proper stuffing minimizes leaks.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Roasted potatoes, green beans, or couscous work well.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild and slightly sweet.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
Simply reduce the honey slightly in the glaze.
Nutrition
(Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: 360
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Protein: 32 g
Fat: 20 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 10 g
Conclusion
Mediterranean Brie and Cranberry Stuffed Chicken with Lemon Honey Finish brings together comfort and elegance in one satisfying dish. The creamy filling, tender chicken, and bright citrus glaze create a balance that feels indulgent yet fresh. It’s easy enough for a relaxed dinner but special enough for entertaining, making it a reliable recipe to return to whenever you want something flavorful, beautiful, and memorable on the table.