Cranberry Stuffed Chicken

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by greasing it lightly with olive oil.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, softened cream cheese, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well-combined. This will be the delicious stuffing for your chicken breasts.

3. Take each chicken breast and carefully cut a pocket into the side of the chicken. Be sure not to cut all the way through; you want to create a pocket for the stuffing to go into.

4. Stuff each chicken breast with the cranberry and cream cheese mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts. Secure the pockets closed with toothpicks to ensure the stuffing stays inside during cooking.

5. Season the outside of the chicken breasts with a touch of salt and pepper for added flavor.

6. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned.

7. Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the prepped baking dish and cover it with foil.

8. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

9. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.

10. Carefully remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts before serving. Garnish with extra chopped parsley for a pop of freshness and color.