I’ll never forget the first time I made Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza for my family. It was right around the holidays, and I was craving something that captured all the cozy, festive flavors of the season. When I stumbled upon this recipe, I knew I had to give it a try. Little did I know it would become an instant hit!
As soon as that heavenly aroma of roasted chicken, melted brie, and tangy cranberries filled the kitchen, my family came running. They couldn’t wait to dive into this Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The combination of the crisp, flaky crust, the savory chicken, the rich, creamy brie, and the pop of tart cranberries was an absolute flavor explosion in our mouths. It was like taking a bite of Thanksgiving dinner, but in pizza form. Needless to say, this Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza has become a staple in our household, and I have a feeling it’ll do the same for you and your loved ones.
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Why This Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza
What makes this Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza recipe so special is the way the flavors come together to create a truly unique and satisfying meal. The key is in the balance – the savory chicken and melted brie are perfectly complemented by the tart cranberries, creating a harmonious blend that’ll have you coming back for slice after slice. And with this recipe yielding 6 servings, you’ll have plenty to share with family and friends.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza, you’ll need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 8 oz brie cheese, cubed
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Instructions
Preparing Your Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza
This recipe takes 35 minutes total – 15 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a baking sheet, a mixing bowl, and a sharp knife to get started. Let’s dive in!
1- Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken, 1/4 cup of cranberry sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
2- Roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet and brush the surface with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
3- Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces in an even layer on the pizza dough, then top with the remaining cranberry sauce and the cubed brie cheese.
4- Bake the Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza for 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
6- Slice the Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza into 6 equal pieces and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Success
- For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary to the chicken mixture.
- If you prefer a tangier pizza, use a cranberry chutney instead of plain cranberry sauce.
- Be sure not to overload the pizza with too many toppings, as that can make the crust soggy.
Serving and Storing Your Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza
Perfect Pairings for Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza
This Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza is the perfect centerpiece for a cozy holiday gathering, but it also makes a great weeknight dinner. Serve each slice with a fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. And don’t forget to pour a glass of your favorite red wine or a crisp hard cider to complement the flavors.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the pizza and freeze it unbaked. When ready to enjoy, simply bake the frozen pizza directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza
Creative Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the chicken for roasted turkey or even crumbled Italian sausage. You could also experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or feta, to change up the flavor profile. And for a seasonal twist, try adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a drizzle of honey to the top of the pizza.
Making Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Diet-Friendly
To make this Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza a bit more diet-friendly, you can use a whole-wheat pizza dough and opt for a lower-fat brie cheese. For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free pizza crust. And for a vegan take, replace the chicken with roasted vegetables and the brie with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned cranberry sauce instead of homemade?
A: Absolutely! Canned cranberry sauce works perfectly well in this recipe. Just be sure to use about 1/4 cup per serving, which is the amount called for in the ingredient list.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza recipe makes exactly 6 servings, with each serving being 1 slice.
Q: Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! This pizza is a great make-ahead option. You can assemble the pizza and freeze it unbaked. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply bake the frozen pizza directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: How long does it take to make this Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza?
A: This recipe takes a total of 35 minutes – 15 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking.
Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and savory with this Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza. Topped with juicy chicken, tangy cranberries, and melty brie, it’s a delightful family-friendly dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
– 1 cup fresh cranberries
– 8 oz brie cheese, cubed
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. 2. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. 3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch round.
4. 4. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza pan. Top with the cooked chicken, fresh cranberries, and cubed brie cheese.
5. 5. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. 6. Slice and serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes
For a sweeter pizza, you can sprinkle a tablespoon of brown sugar over the cranberries before baking. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Chicken, Turkey & Pork Mains
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Get ready to wow your family and friends with this incredible Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza! The combination of savory chicken, creamy brie, and tangy cranberries is simply irresistible. With its easy preparation and quick cook time, this recipe is sure to become a new go-to for your holiday gatherings and beyond. So what are you waiting for? Grab the ingredients and get baking – your taste buds (and your loved ones) will thank you!
