Cranberry Chicken Brie Pizza: Amazing Gourmet Recipe Guide

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Cranberry Chicken Brie Pizza

Cranberry chicken brie pizza combines the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors in every bite. This gourmet pizza transforms your ordinary dinner into a restaurant-quality meal that costs under $15 to make. The tangy cranberries complement tender chicken while creamy brie melts beautifully over fresh spinach, creating a sophisticated dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick 30-minute meal that delivers gourmet flavors without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen
  • Perfect balance of protein, healthy greens, and antioxidant-rich cranberries for a nutritious family dinner
  • Impressive presentation that works beautifully for holiday gatherings, date nights, or casual entertaining
  • Versatile recipe that accommodates dietary preferences and seasonal ingredient swaps effortlessly
  • Uses simple store-bought ingredients that transform into an elegant, restaurant-style pizza experience

Why This Cranberry Chicken Brie Pizza Recipe Works

This recipe succeeds because it balances contrasting flavors that complement each other perfectly. The tartness of cranberries cuts through the richness of brie cheese, while the mild chicken provides protein without overwhelming the delicate flavors.

The high oven temperature creates a crispy crust that holds up to the toppings without becoming soggy. Fresh spinach adds nutritional value and a pop of color, while the olive oil base prevents the pizza from drying out during baking.

Each ingredient serves a specific purpose, creating layers of flavor that make this pizza memorable. The combination also provides excellent nutritional benefits, including lean protein, calcium, iron, and antioxidants from the cranberries.

cranberry chicken brie pizza food photograph 1

What You’ll Need for Cranberry Chicken Brie Pizza

Ingredients

IngredientQuantity (Approx)Purpose / Notes
Pizza dough1 lb (store-bought)Crispy base that holds toppings
Cooked chicken breast1 cup, shreddedMain protein source
Soft brie cheese6 oz, slicedCreamy, rich flavor element
Cranberry sauce1/2 cupSweet-tart flavor balance
Fresh spinach leaves1 cupNutritional boost and color
Olive oil2 tspPrevents drying, adds flavor
Salt and pepperTo tasteSeasoning enhancement

Tools

ToolPurpose
Rolling pinShapes dough to desired thickness
Baking sheetProvides stable cooking surface
Sharp knifeSlices brie and cuts finished pizza
Measuring cupsEnsures accurate ingredient proportions

You can find excellent variations of this recipe at AllRecipes for additional inspiration. The estimated cost ranges from $12-15, making it an affordable gourmet option for families.

How to Make Cranberry Chicken Brie Pizza

StepInstructions
1. Prep OvenPreheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out pizza dough on floured surface to 12 inches wide
2. Prepare BaseTransfer dough to baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper evenly
3. Add SauceSpread cranberry sauce evenly over dough, leaving 1-inch border for crust
4. Layer ToppingsAdd shredded chicken, then fresh spinach leaves, followed by brie cheese slices
5. BakeBake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden brown and cheese bubbles
6. FinishRemove from oven, let cool for 3 minutes, slice into 8 pieces, and serve immediately

The key to success lies in proper layering and timing. For more chicken-based recipes, check out our Ultimate Chicken Casserole guide.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Pre-cook your chicken with herbs like thyme or rosemary to add extra depth of flavor to the pizza
  • Remove brie rind before slicing for easier melting and smoother texture throughout the pizza
  • Use parchment paper under the dough to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal from baking sheet
  • Let the pizza rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set slightly for cleaner slicing
  • Brush the crust edges with garlic-infused olive oil before baking for extra flavor and golden color

Serving and Storage Tips for Cranberry Chicken Brie Pizza

Serving Tips

Serve this pizza immediately while the cheese is still warm and stretchy. Cut into 8 slices for appetizer portions or 4 larger slices for main course servings. Pair with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

This pizza works wonderfully for holiday entertaining, casual dinner parties, or cozy family meals. The elegant flavor combination makes it perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings or Christmas celebrations when you want something special but not overly complicated.

For storage, refrigerate leftover slices for up to 3 days in airtight containers. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness, avoiding the microwave which can make the crust soggy.

cranberry chicken brie pizza food photograph 2

Mistakes to Avoid while making Cranberry Chicken Brie Pizza

Don’t overload the pizza with too much cranberry sauce, as excess moisture can make the crust soggy. Use just enough to lightly coat the dough surface, leaving space for other flavors to shine through.

Avoid using cold brie straight from the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature for 15 minutes before slicing, which ensures even melting and prevents the cheese from clumping during baking.

Never skip the olive oil drizzle on the dough base. This creates a barrier that prevents the cranberry sauce from making the crust too wet while adding essential flavor and helping achieve that golden-brown finish.

Don’t overcook the pizza. Watch carefully after 12 minutes, as the thin crust can go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly at high temperatures.

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You Must Know

  • Always use cooked chicken that’s been properly cooled and shredded to prevent uneven cooking and food safety issues
  • Fresh spinach works better than frozen because it doesn’t release excess water that can make the pizza soggy
  • Homemade cranberry sauce provides better flavor control, but store-bought works perfectly for quick preparation
  • The pizza is best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the brie is creamy and the crust maintains its crispiness

Suggestions for Cranberry Chicken Brie Pizza

Transform this recipe by adding toasted walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutty flavor. The nuts complement both the cranberries and brie beautifully while adding healthy fats and protein to the dish.

Try substituting the spinach with arugula for a peppery bite, or use caramelized onions for deeper, sweeter flavors. Both variations maintain the gourmet appeal while offering different taste profiles.

For a seasonal twist, replace cranberry sauce with fig jam during fall months, or try apricot preserves for a different fruit flavor. Each variation brings its own unique character to the pizza.

Consider making individual personal pizzas using smaller dough portions. This approach works great for parties and allows guests to customize their toppings. You can explore more creative recipes like our Keto Cloud Cake for dessert pairings.

cranberry chicken brie pizza food photograph 3

FAQs:


Can I make cranberry chicken brie pizza ahead of time?

You can prepare all toppings and assemble the pizza up to 2 hours before baking. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate, then bake as directed, adding 2-3 extra minutes to account for the cold start.


What's the best way to reheat leftover cranberry chicken brie pizza?

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts and crust crisps up. Avoid microwaving as it makes the crust soggy and doesn’t properly melt the brie.


Can I substitute the brie cheese with other cheeses?

Yes, camembert works similarly to brie, while goat cheese offers tangier flavor. Mozzarella provides milder taste but won’t give the same creamy richness that makes this pizza special.


How do I prevent the pizza crust from getting soggy?

Use thin layers of cranberry sauce, ensure your chicken is well-drained, and drizzle olive oil on the dough base. Pre-baking the crust for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings also helps.


Is cranberry chicken brie pizza suitable for meal prep?

While best fresh, you can prep components separately and store for 2-3 days. Cook chicken, wash spinach, and slice brie ahead of time, then assemble and bake when ready to eat.


Conclusion

Cranberry chicken brie pizza delivers restaurant-quality flavors in your own kitchen with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. This recipe proves that gourmet cooking doesn’t require expensive ingredients or complicated techniques – just smart flavor combinations and proper execution.

The sweet-savory balance makes this pizza perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to elegant entertaining. With its impressive presentation and delicious taste, you’ll find yourself making this recipe again and again. For more inspiration, check out additional variations to keep your pizza nights exciting.

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Cranberry Chicken Brie Pizza


  • Author: Jennie Graham
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 slices for appetizer portions or 4 larger slices for main course servings 1x

Description

A gourmet pizza featuring tender chicken, creamy brie cheese, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce on a crispy crust with fresh spinach for a perfect balance of flavors.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb Pizza dough (store-bought)
  • 1 cup Cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 6 oz Soft brie cheese, sliced
  • 1/2 cup Cranberry sauce
  • 1 cup Fresh spinach leaves
  • 2 tsp Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Prep Oven: Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out pizza dough on floured surface to 12 inches wide
  • Prepare Base: Transfer dough to baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper evenly
  • Add Sauce: Spread cranberry sauce evenly over dough, leaving 1-inch border for crust
  • Layer Toppings: Add shredded chicken, then fresh spinach leaves, followed by brie cheese slices
  • Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden brown and cheese bubbles
  • Finish: Remove from oven, let cool for 3 minutes, slice into 8 pieces, and serve immediately

Notes

  • Remove brie rind before slicing for easier melting and smoother texture throughout the pizza
  • Pre-cook your chicken with herbs like thyme or rosemary to add extra depth of flavor to the pizza
  • Use parchment paper under the dough to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal from baking sheet
  • Let the pizza rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set slightly for cleaner slicing
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pizza)
  • Calories: 285 calories
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 16g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: cranberry chicken brie pizza, gourmet pizza, chicken pizza, brie cheese pizza, cranberry pizza, homemade pizza

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