Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe

If you’re craving something uniquely delightful yet comfortingly familiar, this Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Combining tender shredded chicken coated in vibrant cranberry sauce with the luscious creaminess of Brie cheese, this pizza bursts with layers of flavor that are both sweet and savory in perfect harmony. It’s a joyous celebration of textures and tastes; the melted mozzarella and sharp red onions add just the right balance, while fresh thyme and crisp greens bring a fresh, aromatic finish. Whether for a cozy dinner or a special gathering, this Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe is sure to impress and satisfy every craving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients for this pizza are wonderfully simple but play a crucial role in building its depth of flavor and texture. Each one brings something special to the party, making the final dish taste like it took hours to perfect, even when it didn’t.

• Pre-made pizza crust: Save time and ensure a perfectly crisp base with a store-bought or homemade crust.
• Cooked shredded chicken: Provides the hearty protein base that pairs beautifully with the sweet cranberry sauce.
• Cranberry sauce: Adds that wonderfully tangy sweetness that contrasts perfectly with savory elements.
• Brie cheese: Optical and flavor star of the show, creamy and rich to melt into a gooey delight.
• Mozzarella cheese: Helps bind the toppings together and brings that classic stretchy, melty comfort.
• Thinly sliced red onion: Adds a slight pungent crunch and vibrant color to the pizza.
• Olive oil: Brushed on the crust and drizzled on top for a golden, crispy finish and subtle richness.
• Fresh thyme leaves: Bring a fragrant earthiness that elevates the pizza’s flavor profile.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every bite.
• Arugula or fresh spinach (optional): Adds a fresh, peppery, or mild green note that lightens the dish beautifully.

How to Make Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by warming your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature is perfect for getting that crust crispy, the cheese melted, and the toppings evenly cooked without drying out the pizza. If you’re using a pizza stone, give it some time to heat up as well for maximum crispiness.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Crust

Roll out your pizza crust on a baking sheet or a pizza stone if you have one ready. A light brush of olive oil over the surface helps create the golden, crispy texture and adds a subtle richness right from the base.

Step 3: Mix Cranberry and Chicken

In a bowl, combine your shredded chicken with the cranberry sauce. Toss until the chicken is well-coated in that bright, fruity sauce, which will infuse every bite with tangy sweetness. This is the star flavor combination that sets this pizza apart.

Step 4: Assemble the Toppings

Spread the cranberry-chicken mixture evenly over your prepared crust. Next, scatter the Brie slices generously across the pizza; their creamy softness will melt delightfully. Then sprinkle on the shredded mozzarella to add that traditional gooey stretchiness you want in every pizza bite. Scatter thinly sliced red onions on top to add crunch and a bit of sharpness.

Step 5: Season and Bake

Drizzle a little more olive oil over the assembled pizza and sprinkle with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Pop it into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheeses are melted into bubbly perfection and the crust edges have a gorgeous golden hue.

Step 6: Add Fresh Greens

Once out of the oven, let your pizza cool for just a few minutes. Then top it with a handful of fresh arugula or spinach for a splash of fresh, leafy green flavor that complements the rich cheese and sweet-savory toppings beautifully.

How to Serve Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like thyme or even a few scattered pomegranate seeds can add the perfect finishing touch. The herbs bring a fragrant lift while pomegranate seeds introduce an extra sweet-tart crunch that works wonderfully with cranberry.

Side Dishes

Pair this pizza with simple sides like a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to complement the richness without overpowering it. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water also pairs nicely to balance the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving slices on wooden boards or slate platters for a rustic vibe that makes the vibrant colors pop. For parties, cut the pizza into smaller squares or “pizza bites” with a garnish on each — perfect for casual sharing and tasting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe tastes great the next day. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge to keep that cheese and cranberry goodness fresh.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, wrap the fully cooled pizza securely with plastic wrap then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

Reheat leftover slices in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes to bring back the crisp crust and gooey cheese. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the pizza’s texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of chicken in this Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover turkey is a fantastic alternative and pairs just as well with the cranberry sauce and Brie cheese, making this a great way to reinvent holiday leftovers.

Is there a vegetarian version of this pizza?

You can skip the chicken entirely and add more vegetables like roasted butternut squash or mushrooms for an earthy, hearty twist, still pairing wonderfully with the cranberry and Brie.

What type of Brie cheese works best?

Choose a smooth, creamy Brie that melts easily. Avoid overly aged or dry varieties, as they won’t melt as well and can be too strong in flavor.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?

Fresh cranberries are a bit tart and firm, so if you want to use them, simmer them with a bit of sugar to make a quick sauce first, which will replicate that perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

How do I make the crust extra crispy?

Using a pizza stone and preheating it thoroughly helps create a crispier crust. Also, brushing the crust with olive oil before baking adds that golden crunch everyone loves.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe enough if you’re in the mood for something both unique and comforting. It’s a perfect way to blend sweet and savory in a dish that feels fresh yet familiar, simple to make but impressive to serve. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!

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