Prepare to fall in love with your new favorite gourmet pizza. This Cranberry Chicken Brie Pizza is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and cheesy, making it an unforgettable meal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a festive holiday treat or a simple yet elegant weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers.
We combine tender chicken, creamy melted brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and a hint of fresh rosemary on a crispy crust. It’s a flavor combination that feels sophisticated but is incredibly easy to assemble. You’ll wonder why you haven’t tried this sooner.
Why This Cranberry Chicken Brie Pizza is a Must-Try
If you’re tired of the same old pizza toppings, this recipe is your ticket to a delicious new world. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover holiday chicken or turkey, transforming it into something truly special.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of the cranberry sauce is perfectly cut by the creamy, earthy brie and savory chicken.
- Incredibly Easy: Don’t let the gourmet taste fool you. This pizza comes together in under 30 minutes!
- Festive & Fun: The vibrant colors and flavors make it a perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the toppings to your liking with different cheeses, herbs, or a finishing drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, high-quality ingredients to create its signature flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Pizza
- Pizza Dough: 1 pound, either store-bought or your favorite homemade recipe.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for brushing the crust.
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced.
- Cranberry Sauce: ½ cup, whole berry is best for texture.
- Shredded Cooked Chicken: 1 ½ cups. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully.
- Brie Cheese: 6 ounces, rind removed and sliced.
- Red Onion: ¼ cup, thinly sliced.
- Fresh Rosemary: 1 tablespoon, chopped.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
For the Balsamic Glaze (Optional)
- Balsamic Vinegar: ½ cup.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 tablespoon.
For a different take on a fruit and cheese combination, you might also love this Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken.
How to Make Cranberry Chicken Brie Pizza: Step-by-Step
Making this incredible pizza is as simple as layering the ingredients and baking. Follow these steps for a perfect result every time.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up. Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Prepare the Crust: Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel. Mix the olive oil and minced garlic, then brush it evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Layer the Toppings: Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the garlic oil. Top with the shredded chicken, slices of brie, and thinly sliced red onion. Sprinkle with chopped fresh rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Bake the Pizza: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbly.
- Make the Glaze (Optional): While the pizza bakes, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vinegar has thickened and can coat the back of a spoon.
- Serve: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before drizzling with the balsamic glaze. Slice and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Brie and Cranberry Pizza
A few simple tricks can take your Cranberry Chicken Brie Pizza from great to absolutely spectacular.
- Use High-Quality Brie: A good quality, creamy brie will melt better and provide a richer flavor. For easier handling, chill the brie thoroughly before slicing.
- Don’t Overload: It can be tempting to pile on the toppings, but less is more. Overloading can lead to a soggy crust.
- Pre-bake the Crust: For an extra crispy crust, you can par-bake the pizza dough for 5 minutes after brushing it with garlic oil before adding the toppings.
- Try Different Bases: This recipe works great on naan bread or a pre-made flatbread for a quicker version. We have a fantastic Greek Naan Pizza recipe that shows how easy it is.
Delicious Variations and Topping Ideas
While the classic combination is fantastic, feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Add Nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Include Greens: Top the baked pizza with a handful of fresh arugula for a peppery bite.
- Switch the Cheese: If you’re not a fan of brie, creamy goat cheese or fontina are excellent substitutes.
- Spice it Up: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
What to Serve with Your Pizza
This pizza is a star on its own, but a simple side can complete the meal. A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect companion. For something a little different but equally delicious, try pairing it with our Cranberry Apple Coleslaw.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat slices in a hot skillet on the stovetop or in an air fryer. This will help crisp the crust back up much better than a microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Chicken Brie Pizza
Absolutely! If brie isn’t your favorite, this pizza is also delicious with creamy goat cheese, fontina, or even a high-quality mozzarella. Goat cheese will provide a tangier flavor, while fontina will be milder and meltier.
The key to preventing a soggy crust is to not overload the pizza with toppings and to use a thick sauce like whole berry cranberry sauce. You can also pre-heat your pizza stone or baking sheet, and for extra security, par-bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
Whole berry canned cranberry sauce works perfectly for this recipe as it provides great texture and sweetness. If you have homemade cranberry sauce, that’s even better! We don’t recommend using jellied cranberry sauce, as it can be too thin and make the pizza soggy.
The best chicken to use is pre-cooked and shredded. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds great flavor. You can also use any leftover baked or grilled chicken you have on hand.
You can use any pizza dough you prefer. Store-bought dough is a great convenient option. For a crispier, thinner crust, look for a ’00’ flour dough. Homemade dough is also a wonderful choice if you have a favorite recipe.
More Delicious Recipes
We hope you loved this Cranberry Chicken Brie Pizza recipe! If you did, please consider sharing it on Pinterest or leaving a comment below. We love hearing from you! Check out our other pizza-inspired recipes like our Lemon Pizza for another unique flavor adventure.
Cranberry Chicken Brie Pizza Recipe
Cranberry Chicken Brie Pizza (The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up. Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel. Mix the olive oil and minced garlic, then brush it evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the garlic oil. Top with the shredded chicken, slices of brie, and thinly sliced red onion. Sprinkle with chopped fresh rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbly.
- While the pizza bakes, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vinegar has thickened and can coat the back of a spoon.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before drizzling with the balsamic glaze. Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
Don't Overload: Avoid adding too many toppings, as this can lead to a soggy crust.
Extra Crispy Crust: For an extra crispy crust, par-bake the dough for 5 minutes with the garlic oil before adding other toppings.
