Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe

This Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe is here to dazzle your pizza night with a flavor combination that’s equal parts cozy comfort and gourmet treat. Imagine a crisp, golden crust layered with tangy cranberry sauce, juicy chicken (or turkey!), luscious ribbons of Brie, and just enough mozzarella to make it gloriously melty. Finished with a nip of red onion and a handful of fresh herbs, it’s festive, satisfying, and just a little bit unexpected. Whether you’re using up leftover holiday ingredients or craving something innovative, this pizza is sure to become your new kitchen obsession.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe is how it takes simple ingredients and turns them into something extraordinary. Each component has a role: crispness, creaminess, savory-sweet balance, and a vibrant color pop. Here’s what you’ll need, plus how to get the best from each item:

• Pre-made pizza crust: Go with your favorite store-bought or homemade crust for a quick start and no-fuss prep; choose one that bakes up crisp and sturdy to hold all the toppings.
• Cooked chicken, shredded: Rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey work perfectly—make sure it’s tender and not too dry for maximum flavor.
• Cranberry sauce: Use whole-berry sauce for texture, or smooth if you prefer; this is the ingredient that provides that signature tangy-sweet zing.
• Brie cheese, sliced: The star of the show! Go for a creamy Brie—it melts into lovely pools and turns slightly gooey in the oven.
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Adds that indispensable melt factor and stretches beautifully for the classic pizza pull.
• Red onion, thinly sliced: A little sharpness and crunch to balance all the rich and sweet elements.
• Olive oil: Brushed over the crust and drizzled on top for a gorgeous, golden finish.
• Fresh thyme leaves (or dried thyme): Lively, herbal flavor that ties everything together; fresh is best, but dried works in a pinch.
• Salt and pepper: Bring all the flavors forward with just a touch of seasoning—don’t skip this step!
• Arugula or fresh spinach for topping (optional): A heap of greens tossed on after baking adds a peppery bite and fresh color.

How to Make Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you’re using a store-bought pizza crust, double-check its packaging for any temperature notes. This high heat makes the crust crisp and caramelizes those cheese bubbles beautifully. All the magic starts with getting the temperature right, so don’t skip the preheat!

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Crust

Roll out your pizza crust onto a baking sheet or, if you have one, a preheated pizza stone for extra crispness. Grab your olive oil and lightly brush the surface of the crust. This step isn’t just about flavor; it helps lock in moisture and gives you those gloriously crispy edges and bottom.

Step 3: Mix the Cranberry & Chicken

In a medium bowl, toss together your shredded chicken (or turkey) and cranberry sauce until every piece is coated in that jewel-toned glaze. This blend infuses the chicken with sweet-tart flavor and keeps it deliciously juicy on the pizza.

Step 4: Assemble the Toppings

Spread the cranberry-chicken mixture evenly over the crust, making sure each bite will be flavorful. Arrange your Brie slices on top, letting them nestle between the chicken. Sprinkle the whole thing with shredded mozzarella for extra meltiness, then scatter over those beautifully thin red onion slices for sharpness and crunch.

Step 5: Season & Drizzle

Drizzle the pizza with a little more olive oil, then shower on fresh thyme (or a gentle sprinkle of dried thyme). Season generously with salt and pepper to taste—these finishing touches elevate the Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe from good to unforgettable.

Step 6: Bake

Slide your creation into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt and bubble, the Brie to turn wonderfully gooey, and the crust to reach a golden crisp. Don’t wander far—this pizza cooks quickly, and you don’t want to miss its peak!

Step 7: Add Fresh Greens

After baking, let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes so everything sets. If you want a burst of freshness, toss on a handful of arugula or spinach. The greens wilt just slightly over the warm pizza, adding color and a pop of peppery or leafy flavor.

Step 8: Slice & Serve

Slice up your masterpiece and get ready for the oohs and ahhs. Every wedge is a festival of melty Brie, sweet cranberry, tender chicken, and crisp crust. Serve hot and savor every last bite—this is a Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe worth sharing!

How to Serve Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

This pizza is already a showstopper, but a few finishing touches can make it look and taste even more spectacular. Try sprinkling more fresh thyme, a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness, or a light dusting of cracked black pepper just before serving. If you really want to impress, a swirl of balsamic glaze offers a tangy, glossy finish that pairs beautifully with the Brie and cranberry.

Side Dishes

Balance the richness of your Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe with fresh, crisp sides. A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette is a perfect match. Roasted butternut squash, a wintery slaw, or even a soup like butternut squash or tomato also round out the meal without overpowering the delicate flavors of the pizza.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd, cut the pizza into bite-size squares for an irresistible appetizer platter. To turn it into a festive centerpiece, arrange the slices in a circle on a wooden board, scattered with extra thyme sprigs and festive cranberries. Individual mini pizzas are another fun way to let everyone customize their own, making your next pizza night interactive and extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerated, the Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe will stay fresh for up to three days. The flavors even deepen a bit overnight, making leftovers a delicious treat for lunch or a midnight snack.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this pizza. Allow cooked pizza slices to cool completely, then wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and add a layer of foil before placing them in a freezer bag. Your pizza will keep in the freezer for up to two months. For best results, thaw slices overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-baked crispness, reheat your pizza slices in a hot oven (about 375°F) for 8–10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is heated through. Avoid the microwave if you can—it’s quick, but the crust can turn soggy instead of crisp.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of chicken in this recipe?

Definitely! Turkey and chicken are both excellent here—the flavors work just as well. This Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe is fantastic after holiday dinners when you want new ways to enjoy those turkey leftovers.

What kind of cranberry sauce works best?

Both homemade and store-bought cranberry sauces are great. Whole berry sauce gives a chunkier texture, while jellied sauce melts more into the other toppings. Use your favorite or whatever you have on hand.

Can I make this pizza gluten-free?

Yes, just swap in your favorite gluten-free pizza crust. All the toppings in this Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe are naturally gluten-free, so this is an easy adjustment for dietary needs.

How do I keep Brie from melting everywhere?

Slice the Brie fairly thick, and nestle the pieces among the chicken and cranberry mix. This way, it melts in place rather than running off the crust. Leaving the rind on also helps it hold its shape beautifully.

Can I add nuts or other toppings?

Absolutely! Toasted walnuts or pecans add gorgeous crunch and play really well with the Brie and cranberry. You can also experiment with caramelized onions, slices of pear, or a sprinkle of gorgonzola for a personal touch on this Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully celebratory about gathering around a piping-hot Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe, especially when it’s so easy yet so memorable. Whether you’re jazzing up leftovers or treating yourself to something new, this pizza is bound to impress. Give it a try and let your kitchen become your favorite pizzeria—enjoy every cheesy, tangy, irresistible bite!

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