Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza

Introduction

Looking for a unique and flavorful twist on pizza night? This Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The homemade cranberry sauce brings a burst of freshness, while the Brie and mozzarella cheeses create a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Paired with tender chicken and the option of adding thinly sliced red onions for extra flavor, this pizza is a gourmet delight that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will elevate your pizza game!

Why This Recipe is Perfect for You

This pizza is perfect for anyone who loves experimenting with bold flavors. The tartness of the cranberry sauce, combined with the creaminess of Brie cheese and the savory chicken, creates a balanced and unique taste profile. Plus, it’s easy to make, and using simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand, this pizza comes together quickly for a meal that feels special without the fuss.

Ingredients

For the Cranberry Sauce:

• 1 ½ cups whole cranberries (fresh or frozen)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
• Pinch of salt

For the Pizza Toppings:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
• 1 ½ cups Brie cheese, cubed into ½-inch pieces
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella, shredded
• Thinly sliced red onions (optional)

Directions

1. Make the Cranberry Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine 1 ½ cups cranberries, ¼ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture over medium-low heat, bringing it to a simmer. As the cranberries soften, gently crush them with the back of a spoon to release their juices. Continue simmering for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Once done, remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. The sauce will act as the base for your pizza, providing a delicious contrast to the savory toppings.

2. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Once preheated, lower the temperature to 475°F (245°C) just before baking. This high heat will give the pizza a crispy, golden crust while ensuring the toppings cook evenly.

3. Assemble the Pizza

On a 14″-16″ pizza crust (store-bought or homemade), spread the cooled cranberry sauce evenly across the surface, leaving a small border for the crust. Next, evenly distribute the cubed chicken, Brie cheese, and shredded mozzarella over the sauce. If you like an extra layer of flavor, you can also add thinly sliced red onions on top for a sweet, tangy bite.

4. Bake the Pizza

Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted and is bubbly. Keep an eye on the pizza to ensure the crust doesn’t burn, and rotate the pizza halfway through cooking for even baking.

5. Cool, Slice, and Serve

Once the pizza is fully baked, let it cool for about 5 minutes on the pan before slicing. This helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve. Slice, serve, and enjoy this flavorful combination of sweet cranberry sauce, creamy Brie, and savory chicken.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Small saucepan for the cranberry sauce
• Baking sheet or pizza stone for baking the pizza
• Pizza cutter for slicing

Tips and Shortcuts

• Pre-Made Cranberry Sauce: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought cranberry sauce instead of making your own. However, making it from scratch gives the pizza a fresher, more vibrant flavor.
• Store-Bought Crust: Feel free to use a pre-made pizza crust or flatbread to save time. You can also use naan bread or pita for individual-sized pizzas.
• Chicken Tip: Leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe, cutting down on prep time.

Recipe Swaps and Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add roasted butternut squash or caramelized onions for a vegetarian twist.
• Cheese Substitutes: If you don’t have Brie, you can substitute with goat cheese or Camembert for a similar creamy texture.
• Extra Toppings: Add toasted walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch, or sprinkle arugula on top after baking for a peppery freshness.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This will help maintain the pizza’s crispy crust and melted cheese.

Food and Drink Pairings

This Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza pairs beautifully with a glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, which complement the richness of the Brie and the sweetness of the cranberry sauce. For non-alcoholic options, try serving it with a sparkling apple cider or a cranberry spritzer to enhance the fruity notes in the pizza.

For sides, consider a light arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette, or roasted Brussels sprouts for a complete meal with complementary flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes! Brie adds a lovely creaminess, but you can substitute it with Camembert, goat cheese, or even blue cheese for a stronger flavor.

Q: Can I make the cranberry sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The cranberry sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before spreading it on the pizza.

Q: What type of pizza crust should I use?
A: You can use any type of crust you like—thin, thick, or even gluten-free. Just adjust the baking time accordingly based on the crust thickness.

Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce recipe.

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Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza

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• Author: Mia Martinez
• Total Time: 31 minutes

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Description

Indulge in a delightful Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza, featuring tender chicken, creamy brie, and sweet cranberry sauce on a crispy crust.

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Ingredients

Cranberry Sauce:

1 ½ cups whole cranberries (fresh or frozen)

¼ cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon white wine vinegar

Pinch of salt

Pizza Toppings:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed

1 ½ cups Brie cheese, cubed (½-inch pieces)

1 cup fresh mozzarella, shredded

Thinly sliced red onions (optional)

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Instructions

Make the Cranberry Sauce:

In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, honey, white wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt.

Stir over medium-low heat until the mixture simmers. Use the back of a spoon to gently crush the cranberries as they soften. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Assemble the Pizza:

Preheat your oven to 500°F, then lower to 475°F before baking.

On a 14″-16″ pizza crust, spread the cooled cranberry sauce evenly.

Add the cubed chicken, Brie cheese, mozzarella, and red onions (if using) on top of the sauce.

Bake:

Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.

Let the pizza cool for 5 minutes on the pan before slicing and serving.

Enjoy this delicious sweet and savory pizza creation!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 slices
• Calories: 400 kcal (per slice)