Easy Cranberry Chicken and Brie Pizza Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crispy crusts meet delectable cranberry chicken and brie pizza in a culinary adventure that sparks instant appetite.

Savory ingredients dance together with unexpected charm, creating a harmony of flavors.

Warm brie melts into tender chicken pieces, while tart cranberries add surprising brightness.

Sweet and tangy notes challenge traditional pizza expectations with delightful results.

Rustic yet sophisticated, this combination promises a memorable meal that impresses without complexity.

Rich textures and balanced ingredients make you crave every single bite.

Slice into this extraordinary pizza and let your taste buds celebrate!

Pizza That Pairs Cranberry, Brie, and Holiday Flair

• Effortless Culinary Creativity: Whip up a gourmet pizza that looks like it came from a fancy restaurant, with minimal cooking skills required.
• Flavor Explosion: Combine sweet cranberry sauce, savory chicken, and creamy Brie for a mouthwatering taste combination that surprises and delights your palate.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare this delicious pizza in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy families or last-minute meal solutions without sacrificing flavor.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for casual gatherings, game nights, or a special dinner that impresses both kids and adults with its unique and delectable toppings.

Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Ingredients

• Pizza Crust: Thin and crispy base for the pizza.
• Chicken: Shredded and mixed with cranberry sauce.
• Cranberry Sauce: Sweet and tangy coating for the chicken.
• Brie Cheese: Creamy and rich cheese topping.

• Mozzarella: Melty and stretchy additional cheese.

• Red Onion: Thinly sliced for sharp flavor.
• Thyme: Aromatic herb for seasoning.
• Arugula or Spinach: Fresh green topping.

• Olive Oil: Used for brushing crust and drizzling.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for enhancing flavor.

Preparing Cranberry Chicken and Brie Pizza at Home

Step 1: Warm Up The Kitchen Oven

Set your kitchen oven to a toasty 425°F and grab your favorite baking sheet or pizza stone. Make sure the rack is positioned in the center for perfect cooking.

Step 2: Create Your Pizza Canvas

Gently roll out the pizza crust onto your baking surface. Glide a pastry brush with olive oil across the entire surface to ensure a delightfully crispy foundation.

Step 3: Transform Chicken Into Flavor Explosion

In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with cranberry sauce. Stir thoroughly until every chicken piece is generously coated with sweet and tangy goodness.

Step 4: Build Your Delicious Masterpiece

Spread the cranberry-chicken mixture evenly across the pizza crust. Artfully arrange creamy Brie slices throughout the surface. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously and scatter thin red onion rings for extra zest.

Step 5: Enhance With Herbaceous Touch

Drizzle a light stream of olive oil over the pizza. Dust the surface with fragrant thyme leaves, a pinch of salt, and a dash of cracked black pepper.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pizza into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling golden landscape and the crust turns a beautiful crispy brown.

Step 7: Add Fresh Green Finale

Allow the pizza to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. Scatter fresh arugula or baby spinach leaves across the top for a peppery, bright finish.

Step 8: Slice And Celebrate

Cut the pizza into wedges and serve immediately. Enjoy the harmonious blend of sweet cranberry, tender chicken, and luxurious melted cheese.

Pizza Tips for Balancing Cranberry Chicken and Brie

• Boost Crust Crispiness: Brush olive oil on the pizza crust before adding toppings to create a perfectly golden and crisp base that enhances the overall texture.
• Chicken Prep Perfection: Shred chicken in advance and mix thoroughly with cranberry sauce to ensure even flavor distribution and prevent dry spots on the pizza.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Let Brie sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before adding to the pizza, helping it melt more evenly and create a creamy, luxurious topping.
• Balance Flavor Layers: Thinly slice red onions to provide a sharp, sweet contrast to the rich Brie and tangy cranberry chicken without overwhelming the other ingredients.
• Fresh Finish Technique: Add arugula or spinach after baking to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture, providing a fresh, peppery contrast to the warm, rich pizza.

How to Store and Rewarm Cranberry Chicken and Brie Pizza

• Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
• Preheat oven to 375°F, place pizza slices on a baking sheet, and warm for 7-10 minutes until cheese melts and crust crisps.
• Place slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 30-45 seconds to maintain moisture and prevent rubbery texture.

Cranberry Chicken Brie Pizza Side Ideas

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp, slightly acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy cranberry and rich brie flavors.
• Create Fresh Salad Side: Whip up a light mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette that cuts through the pizza's creamy texture and enhances the overall dining experience.
• Boost with Herbal Sparkling Water: Serve chilled sparkling water infused with rosemary or thyme to refresh the palate and mirror the pizza's herbal notes.
• Match with Crisp Apple Cider: Pour a cold, dry apple cider that provides a sweet-tart contrast to the savory chicken and creamy cheese, creating a balanced flavor profile.

Cranberry Chicken Brie Pizza Ideas

• Gluten-Free Pizza Adventure: Replace traditional pizza crust with cauliflower crust or gluten-free pre-made pizza base for a celiac-friendly option.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Remix: Swap pizza crust with thin zucchini or eggplant base, use grilled chicken, and add kalamata olives for Mediterranean flair.
• Vegetarian Cheese Lover's Version: Substitute chicken with roasted butternut squash or crispy tofu, keeping the brie and cranberry sauce for rich flavor profile.
• Spicy Fusion Approach: Add jalapeños, drizzle sriracha sauce, and include pepper jack cheese to transform the original recipe into a zesty, heat-packed pizza experience.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred the meat and mix with cranberry sauce.

• Is fresh or canned cranberry sauce better?

Both work well, but homemade or whole berry cranberry sauce provides richer flavor and texture compared to jellied versions.

• How do I prevent the Brie from getting too runny?

Cut Brie into thin, cold slices and distribute evenly. Place pizza in a hot oven to help Brie maintain its shape while melting slightly.

• What if I don't have fresh thyme?

Dried thyme is a great substitute. Use about one-third the amount of dried compared to fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

Cranberry Chicken and Brie Pizza Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cranberry chicken and brie pizza delivers a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that dance across your palate. Rustic French cheese melts luxuriously over tender chicken, while tart cranberries provide a delightful contrast that elevates this gourmet pizza experience.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (or leftover turkey)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) Brie cheese, sliced
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Sauce and Toppings:

• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Arugula or fresh spinach for topping (optional)

Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 425°F (220°C), ensuring optimal temperature for crisp pizza crust preparation.
2. Gently stretch pizza dough across a baking sheet, delicately brushing the surface with olive oil to enhance golden crispiness.
3. Combine shredded chicken with cranberry sauce, thoroughly coating each chicken piece to create a vibrant, tangy mixture.
4. Distribute the cranberry-chicken blend evenly across the prepared crust, creating a consistent flavor foundation.
5. Layer soft Brie cheese strategically over the chicken, allowing its creamy texture to melt beautifully during baking.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the surface, complementing the Brie with additional melty richness.
7. Scatter thinly sliced red onions to introduce a sharp, crisp element that balances the sweet and savory components.
8. Season the pizza with fresh thyme, carefully sprinkling salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
9. Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven, baking for 12-15 minutes until cheese becomes luxuriously bubbling and crust transforms to a golden hue.
10. Remove from oven and allow brief cooling to stabilize toppings and prevent burning.
11. Garnish with fresh arugula or tender spinach leaves, adding a peppery, verdant finish to the pizza.
12. Slice into wedges and serve immediately, celebrating the harmonious blend of tangy, creamy, and fresh flavors.

Notes

• Swap pre-made pizza crust for homemade whole wheat dough to boost nutritional value and create a healthier alternative.
• Reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes for a softer, chewier crust that prevents burning and maintains optimal texture.
• Choose leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken for deeper flavor profiles and quicker meal preparation.
• Customize for vegetarian diets by replacing chicken with roasted butternut squash or hearty mushrooms, maintaining the pizza’s rich, complex taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg