Cranberry Stuffed Chicken With Herb Gravy (Christmas Recipe)

The holiday season is all about magic – warm, inviting aromas wafting through the air, the clinking of glasses, and the laughter of loved ones.

What if I told you this magic could be bottled into a single mouthwatering dish? Enter the Christmas Cranberry Stuffed Chicken with Herb Gravy.

Cranberry Stuffed Chicken With Herb Gravy (Completed)

A tender chicken roulade filled with creamy, tangy, and nutty cranberry stuffing, topped with a velvety herb-infused gravy, this dish is bound to make your holiday dinner table unforgettable.

But here’s the secret: Creating magic isn’t hard when you have the right ingredients and tools. Let me walk you through the process step-by-step while sharing some of my favorite kitchen tools and products that make cooking this recipe effortless.

Why This Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Roulade With Herb Gravy Recipe Works?

Cranberries: These tart little gems scream “Christmas.” Fresh cranberries brighten the dish with their tangy pop, while dried cranberries (if you prefer) bring a chewy sweetness.

Creamy Fillings: A blend of cream cheese and goat cheese creates a luxurious, tangy stuffing base that perfectly balances the cranberries’ acidity.

Nutty Crunch: Toasted walnuts or pecans add an earthy richness and a satisfying crunch to every bite.

Perfect Chicken Breast: Rolling chicken into roulades not only creates a stunning presentation but ensures every bite is evenly seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection.

Festive Herb Gravy: A drizzle of this gravy, made with chicken stock, white wine, and fragrant herbs like rosemary and parsley, elevates the dish to gourmet status.

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Choose Your Perfect Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Type
1. Tangy for a Festive Flair
2. Creamy Cheese Filling for a Luxurious Bite
3. Herb-Infused Gravy for a Gourmet Finish

What You’ll Need and My Recommendations

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this recipe, plus some of my favorite tools and ingredients.

Ingredients

Chicken Breasts: Always go for high-quality, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. My go-to is Organic Free-Range Chicken Breasts. They’re tender, flavorful, and ethically sourced.

Cranberries: Fresh is best, but dried cranberries (like Ocean Spray Craisins) are a great backup, especially for their convenient sweetness.

Cream Cheese and Goat Cheese: Philadelphia Cream Cheese is my trusted choice for its silky texture, while a log of tangy goat cheese never disappoints.

Spinach: Fresh spinach is essential so look for brands like Olivia’s Organic Spinach for a pesticide-free option.

Walnuts or Pecans: For this recipe, I swear by Fisher Nuts Walnuts. They’re already roasted and chopped, saving time and effort.

Spices and Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley bring festive flair to the dish. Don’t skimp on fresh herbs; their aroma and flavor are unbeatable.

Tools of the Trade

Meat Mallet: Flattening chicken breasts evenly is the key to a perfect roulade. If you’re looking for a reliable meat tenderizer, check out the OXO Good Grips Meat Tenderizer.

Oven-Safe Skillet: A seamless transition from stovetop to oven is crucial for recipes like this. For a versatile and durable cooking option, I suggest the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, it retains heat beautifully and ensures even cooking.

Kitchen Twine: Secure those roulades! Regency Wraps Cooking Twine is sturdy and food-safe.

Gravy Separator: To ensure a smooth, lump-free gravy, I use the Fat Separator by OXO.

Step-by-Step Instructions To Make Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Roulade With Herb Gravy

Prepare the Chicken Roulade

Start by laying out the chicken breasts on a sturdy surface and covering them with plastic wrap to prevent splattering, then gently pound them with your trusty OXO Meat Tenderizer until they’re an even 1/4-inch thick.

Next, mix the stuffing i.e. cream cheese, goat cheese, chopped spinach, cranberries, roasted walnuts, honey, orange zest, and fresh thyme.

A hand mixer can make this process even smoother – Cuisinart Hand Mixer is my top choice for small jobs like this.

Spread a thin layer of the stuffing onto each chicken breast, leaving about a 1/2-inch border to prevent overflow and roll the chicken tightly and secure it with Regency Twine.

Sear and Roast the Roulades

Heat your oven-safe skillet, like the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then sear the roulades on all sides until golden brown.

Pop the skillet into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. While the chicken cooks (20-25 minutes), the cast iron retains heat for even cooking, ensuring perfectly tender meat.

Make the Herb Gravy

In a small saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add chicken stock (I recommend Kettle & Fire Chicken Bone Broth) and white wine, stirring constantly.

Add heavy cream, Dijon mustard, rosemary, and parsley, then season with salt and pepper.

For a velvety texture, pour the gravy through a Fat Separator by OXO before serving.

Plating Like a Pro

Cranberry Stuffed Chicken With Herb Gravy (Served)

Once the roulades are cooked, remove the twine and slice them into medallions.

Arrange them on a platter, drizzle the herb gravy over the top, and garnish with fresh cranberries, herbs, and a sprinkle of orange zest.

Serve alongside festive sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed sweet potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete holiday feast.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Stuffed Chicken With Herb Gravy

Impressive Presentation: The roulades look like they came straight out of a gourmet kitchen.
Balanced Flavors: Every bite is a dance of creamy, tangy, nutty, and savory flavors.
Customizable: Swap out the goat cheese for feta or the cranberries for dried cherries if you prefer.

Pro Tips for Success

Don’t Overfill: Overstuffing can cause the filling to ooze out during cooking. Stick to the recipe proportions.
Secure Tightly: Use kitchen twine to keep the roulade intact. It’s important that you don’t skip this step or your food may cook unevenly.
Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Shop the Recipe

Want to recreate this dish effortlessly? Here are the essentials:

Final Thoughts

I can confidently say that this Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Roulade is more than just another holiday recipe – it’s a masterclass in balancing flavors and techniques.

What I particularly love and it’s likely that you’ll like too is how it transforms simple ingredients into an elegant dish that’s actually achievable for home cooks.

The combination of tart cranberries, creamy cheese filling, and herb-infused gravy creates layers of flavor that will impress even the most discerning guests.

While it may seem intimidating at first, I’ve found that having the right tools and following the structured steps makes this recipe quite manageable.

And the best part is that this dish proves that you don’t need a culinary degree to create restaurant-quality meals for your holiday table.