Cranberry-Stuffed Chicken with Maple Orange Glaze

Cranberry-stuffed chicken is a delicious and elegant meal that's surprisingly easy to prepare. This recipe was inspired by a classic Rose Reisman dish, but I've made some adjustments to suit my family's tastes and portion needs. Instead of using chicken supreme, I opted for a light breading, making the dish crisp and flavorful while keeping it healthier.

My youngest has recently developed a love for all things cranberry, so this dish was a special request. The combination of tart cranberries, crunchy almonds, and creamy Havarti cheese creates a mouthwatering stuffing, while the maple-orange glaze adds a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. This meal comes together in about 45 minutes, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry-Stuffed Chicken Recipe

• Perfectly balanced flavors: The sweetness of maple syrup and orange juice contrasts beautifully with the tart cranberries and savory chicken.

• Crispy yet tender: A light breading gives the chicken a golden crust without being too heavy.

• Easy to prepare: Despite its gourmet presentation, this dish is simple and comes together quickly.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (six breasts)

• 1/4 cup bread crumbs

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup skim milk

For the Stuffing:

• 3/4 cup dried cranberries

• 1/3 cup toasted almonds

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 2 tsp olive oil

• 3/4 cup shredded light Havarti cheese

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 1/4 cup thawed concentrated orange juice

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

• 2 tsp sesame oil

• 1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp finely chopped garlic

• 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch

Garnish:

• Fresh chopped parsley

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Make a horizontal slit in each chicken breast to create a pocket for the stuffing, being careful not to slice all the way through.

Step 2: Make the Stuffing

In a food processor, pulse the cranberries and almonds until finely chopped. Add the cinnamon, olive oil, and shredded Havarti cheese, then process for about a minute until well combined.

Stuff each chicken breast with the cranberry mixture and secure the opening with toothpicks to keep the filling inside.

Step 3: Coat and Sear the Chicken

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and skim milk. Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat evenly with breadcrumbs.

Lightly coat a large non-stick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Spray the breaded chicken lightly with cooking spray and cook for about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a foil-lined baking sheet coated with cooking spray.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken bakes, whisk together the maple syrup, orange juice, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, Dijon mustard, and garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the cornstarch and whisk well.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about a minute, until slightly thickened.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the toothpicks from the chicken and plate. Drizzle the warm maple-orange glaze over each piece and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry-Stuffed Chicken

• Don’t overstuff: While you want a good amount of filling, overstuffing may cause the chicken to burst open during cooking.

• Secure with toothpicks: This prevents the stuffing from leaking out while cooking.

• Use a meat thermometer: Ensuring the chicken reaches 165°F guarantees it's fully cooked without drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this cranberry-stuffed chicken with:

• Steamed jasmine rice or wild rice blend to soak up the sauce.

• Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus for a vibrant side.

• A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Riesling, for a perfect pairing.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry-Stuffed Chicken with Maple Orange Glaze is a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will impress your family and guests alike. It's easy enough for a weeknight meal but elegant enough for a dinner party. The tangy-sweet stuffing and luscious sauce make it a dish worth repeating.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! If you make any tweaks, I’d love to hear about them in the comments.