Description
This Irresistibly Juicy Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Delight features tender chicken breasts stuffed with tart Granny Smith apples and creamy Brie cheese, seasoned with thyme and coated in a sweet and tangy maple-Dijon glaze. Perfectly seared and baked to juicy perfection, this dish offers a beautiful balance of savory and fruity flavors, making it an elegant yet easy meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Stuffing
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (can substitute with turkey breasts)
- 2 pieces Granny Smith apples (or any tart apple like Honeycrisp), sliced
- 8 ounces light Brie cheese (can use Camembert or mild goat cheese)
Seasonings and Glaze
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey as an alternative)
- 1 tablespoon creamy Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Create Chicken Pockets: Cut each chicken breast horizontally to form a pocket, making sure not to slice all the way through to keep the stuffing secure.
- Stuff Chicken: Place apple slices and Brie cheese inside each chicken pocket, then carefully fold and press the edges to close the filling inside.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and dried thyme evenly on both sides of the stuffed chicken breasts for balanced flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 1-2 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Transfer to Baking Sheet: Move the seared chicken onto the prepared baking sheet, ready for the oven.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, creamy Dijon mustard, and whole grain Dijon mustard to create a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Brush Glaze and Bake: Generously brush the glaze over the tops of each chicken breast, then bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- For a different flavor profile, you can substitute turkey breasts in place of chicken breasts.
- If Brie cheese isn’t available, Camembert or mild goat cheese are good alternatives for stuffing.
- Honey can be used instead of maple syrup for the glaze if desired.
- Ensure the chicken pockets are well sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to ensure food safety and juiciness.
