Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cheese

Quick Description

This Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breast is a deliciously festive dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with a mixture of tart cranberries and melty cheese, all coated in a crispy, golden breadcrumb crust. The combination of savory chicken, sweet-tart cranberries, and gooey cheese makes for a high-protein meal that is perfect for dinner, holidays, or meal prep.

Servings & Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes

Ingredients List

For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar, for a sharper flavor)
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Crust:
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Stuffing
   In a small bowl, mix the chopped cranberries, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, fresh parsley, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Prepare the Chicken
   Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the thickest part of the breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
4. Stuff the Chicken
   Spoon the cranberry and cheese mixture into each chicken breast pocket. Use toothpicks to secure the openings and prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
5. Prepare the Crust
   In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the stuffed chicken breasts. Drizzle with olive oil to help the breadcrumbs crisp up while baking.
6. Bake the Chicken
   Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
7. Rest & Serve
   Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

Additional Notes

• If you prefer a lower-fat version, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry stuffing.
• You can make this dish ahead by assembling the stuffed chicken breasts and refrigerating them before baking.

Dietary Info

High Protein
Low Carb (if served without bread or with low-carb sides)
Gluten Free (if using gluten-free breadcrumbs)
Dairy Free (if using dairy-free cheese and cream cheese)

Protein per serving (approx): 35–40g depending on chicken size.

Flavor Tips & Variations

• Herbed Chicken: Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary to the stuffing for a more aromatic flavor.
• Crispy Crunch: Top with extra breadcrumbs and drizzle with butter for a crunchier texture.
• Bacon-Wrapped Chicken: Wrap each chicken breast with bacon before baking for an added smoky flavor.
• Apple & Cranberry: Add 1/4 cup finely chopped apples to the stuffing for an extra layer of flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Fresh Cranberries → Dried Cranberries
• Mozzarella → Goat Cheese or Feta
• Honey → Maple Syrup or Agave
• Panko Breadcrumbs → Crushed Almonds (for low-carb)

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Special: Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts and mashed cauliflower for a festive meal.
• Meal Prep: This chicken works well for meal prep — simply store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Side Pairing: Pair with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or quinoa.
• Stuffed Chicken with Gravy: Drizzle with turkey or chicken gravy for an even more indulgent meal.

Storage & Make-Ahead

• Store leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• You can freeze the stuffed chicken before baking for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw the chicken completely before stuffing and cooking.

Can I make this without cheese?
Yes, you can omit the cheese for a lighter version and use extra cranberries and herbs.

Can I add more stuffing?
Feel free to double the stuffing mixture for a more indulgent filling. You may need to secure the chicken more firmly.