Cranberry & Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp dried rosemary

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

Filling

• 150 g (5 oz) goat cheese or cream cheese, softened

• ⅓ cup dried cranberries, chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 tsp lemon zest

Cranberry Sauce

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

• ¼ cup orange juice

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 sprig fresh rosemary

Garnish

• Fresh rosemary sprigs

• Extra cranberry sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. In a bowl, combine goat cheese, chopped cranberries, parsley, and lemon zest.

2. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Stuff the Chicken

1. Cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast.

2. Fill each pocket with the cheese mixture.

3. Secure with toothpicks if needed.

Step 3: Season

1. Rub chicken with olive oil.

2. Season with garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Sear

1. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.

Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Transfer skillet to oven.

3. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Make the Cranberry Sauce

1. Combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, and rosemary in a saucepan.

2. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.

3. Remove rosemary sprig before serving.

Step 7: Serve

1. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes.

2. Slice and spoon cranberry sauce over the top.

3. Garnish with fresh rosemary.

Prep Time

• Prep: 15 minutes

• Cook: 30 minutes

• Total: 45 minutes

Nutrition (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 390

• Protein: 42 g

• Carbohydrates: 12 g

• Fat: 18 g

Chef's Tips

✔ Use goat cheese for a tangy flavor or cream cheese for a milder filling.
✔ Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
✔ Do not overfill the chicken pockets to prevent leaking.
✔ Pair with roasted sweet potatoes, green beans, or wild rice.

Why You'll Love It

This elegant stuffed chicken combines juicy, tender chicken breast with a creamy cheese filling and sweet-tart cranberry sauce. It's perfect for holiday dinners, date nights, or whenever you want a restaurant-quality meal at home. 🍗🍒✨