Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza has been my go-to dish for years. It all started when my good friend Jill invited me over for a cozy pizza night. As soon as that first slice hit my lips, I was hooked. The perfect balance of savory chicken, tangy cranberries, and creamy brie – it was love at first bite! From that moment on, I knew I had to master this Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza recipe.
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 combination of flavors and textures. The shredded chicken adds a heartiness that pairs so well with the sweet-tart cranberries. And the melty brie cheese ties it all together, creating a delightfully gooey and indulgent pizza. But the real secret is in the homemade pizza dough. It’s so easy to make, and it bakes up with the perfect crispy-yet-chewy crust that can hold up to all those tasty toppings. Trust me, once you try this Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
For the perfect Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza, you’ll need:
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Cooked, shredded chicken
- Cranberry sauce
- Brie cheese, sliced
- Fresh thyme
- Olive oil
The pizza dough is the foundation, providing that delicious crust. The shredded chicken brings heartiness, while the tangy cranberry sauce and creamy brie cheese create the signature flavor profile. Fresh thyme adds an aromatic touch, and a drizzle of olive oil ties it all together.
Step-by-Step Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Instructions
Preparing Your Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza
Making Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza is easier than you might think. The total prep and cook time is just around 45 minutes, and it only requires a few simple steps. You’ll need a rolling pin, a baking sheet, and a sharp knife to get started.
1- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet.
2- On a lightly floured surface, use your hands or a rolling pin to stretch and shape the pizza dough into a large, thin circle, about 12 inches wide.
3- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and brush the surface with a light coating of olive oil.
4- Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5- Top with the shredded chicken, brie cheese slices, and fresh thyme leaves.
6- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza turns out perfectly, here are a few pro tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best rise and texture in the dough.
- Shred the chicken using two forks for a nice, stringy texture.
- Slice the brie thinly so it melts evenly across the pizza.
- Don’t overload the pizza with too many toppings, or the crust may become soggy.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set.
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 night in or a casual gathering with friends. I love serving it with a fresh green salad and a crisp white wine. The tangy-sweet flavors also pair beautifully with a hoppy craft beer or a glass of sparkling cider.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you have any leftover Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza, you can store it 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 (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
You can also make this pizza ahead of time and freeze it for later. Assemble the pizza as directed, but don’t bake it. Instead, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, 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
While the classic Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza is tough to beat, there are plenty of ways to mix things up. Try adding a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts for some crunch. You could also swap out the brie for goat cheese or feta for a tangier twist. In the fall, you could even add some roasted butternut squash or caramelized onions to the mix.
Making Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Diet-Friendly
For a gluten-free version of Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza, simply use a pre-made gluten-free pizza crust or make your own using a gluten-free flour blend. To make it dairy-free, replace the brie with your favorite non-dairy cheese alternative. And for a low-carb option, you can use a cauliflower or almond flour crust instead of traditional pizza dough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use leftover roasted chicken instead of shredded chicken?
A: Absolutely! Leftover roasted chicken is perfect for this Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza recipe. Just shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces before topping the pizza.
Q: How do I know when the pizza crust is done baking?
A: The crust is ready when it’s golden brown and crispy around the edges. You can also gently lift the edge of the crust to check if the bottom is nicely browned.
Q: Can I make this pizza ahead of time and reheat it later?
A: Yes, you can definitely make this Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza in advance. Just follow the storage and make-ahead tips in the previous section.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza recipe will serve 4-6 people, depending on how big you slice the pieces.
Q: What if the brie cheese is too soft and melty?
A: If the brie gets a bit too soft and gooey, you can simply scoop up the slices with a fork or spoon. The flavors will still be delicious!
Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 6
Description
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and savory with this Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza. Featuring a crisp, golden-brown crust, melted brie cheese, and juicy cranberries, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
– 1 pound pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
– 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 8 ounces brie cheese, sliced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. – Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. – On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle.
3. – Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza pan.
4. – Brush the dough with the olive oil and sprinkle with the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
5. – Arrange the shredded chicken and cranberries evenly over the dough.
6. – Top with the slices of brie cheese.
7. – Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden-brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. – Let the pizza cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve.
Notes
For a touch of extra sweetness, you can drizzle a bit of honey over the pizza before serving. Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza is the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its irresistible blend of savory, sweet, and creamy flavors, this pizza is guaranteed to impress. Don’t be surprised if your friends and loved ones start requesting it for every pizza night! So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get ready to bake up a masterpiece. Let me know how your Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza turns out in the comments below.
