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Christmas Stuffed Chicken Breasts

A delightful dish combining sweet and savory flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings or special dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 2 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts Choose medium-sized breasts for best results.
  • 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Divided into 1 tablespoon and 2 tablespoons.
  • 2 tablespoons diced shallot
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • 0.25 cup cranberry sauce Feel free to adjust based on taste.
  • 3 ounces brie cheese, sliced May substitute with goat cheese.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, dried thyme, and ground black pepper.
  2. Use a sharp knife to carefully slice the chicken breasts nearly in half, creating a pocket for the filling.
Cooking
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add the diced shallot and minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
  2. Add the chopped baby spinach to the pan and stir it until it wilts. After this, remove the pan from heat.
  3. Take 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce and put them into each chicken breast pocket. Then, divide the spinach mixture among the chicken pockets and top with slices of brie cheese.
  4. Secure the openings of the pockets with toothpicks to keep the filling inside.
  5. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  6. In an oven-safe pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 3 minutes on each side.
  7. Once seared, transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (73 degrees C).
  8. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve these stuffed chicken breasts with a side of roasted vegetables or fresh salad. For an extra festive touch, add some cranberry sauce on the side. Presentation matters, so slice the chicken to show the beautiful filling.