If you’re looking to impress your family or guests with something that feels gourmet but is surprisingly easy to make, this Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines tender chicken breasts stuffed with sweet, crisp honeycrisp apples and creamy brie cheese, all brought to life with a luscious maple glaze that adds just the right touch of richness and sweetness. Every bite is a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and creamy elements that make this dish shine.
- 4 boneless chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes a tender vessel for the apple and brie filling.
- 1 honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced: Adds the perfect crisp sweetness and a subtle tart contrast.
- 4 ounces brie cheese, thinly sliced: Brings creamy richness that melts beautifully inside the chicken.
- 1 cup apple cider or juice: Forms the base of the glaze, intensifying apple flavor and adding moisture.
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup: Provides that warm, natural sweetness essential for the glaze.
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic: Adds a subtle savory depth to balance the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard: Injects a mild tang and sharpness to brighten the glaze.
- Fresh thyme: Offers a fragrant herbal note that complements both apple and cheese perfectly.
How to Make Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup effortless—little details like this make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Butterfly and Season the Chicken
Carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing them horizontally almost all the way through but leaving a hinge, creating a pocket for the filling. Season the inside generously with salt and pepper to bring out the natural flavors before adding your fillings.
Step 3: Stuff with Apple and Brie
Layer the thinly sliced honeycrisp apple and creamy brie inside each butterflied chicken breast. The contrast between the juicy apple and melting brie is what makes every bite so dreamy. Then fold the chicken back together, making sure your stuffed package is secure for baking.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Place your stuffed chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Pop them into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is almost cooked. This step lets the flavors meld gently without overcooking the chicken or cheese.
Step 5: Make the Maple Glaze
While the chicken bakes, prepare the glaze by combining apple cider, maple syrup, minced garlic, dijon mustard, and fresh thyme in a small skillet. Simmer this mixture over medium heat until it thickens into a beautiful syrupy glaze that will elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
Step 6: Glaze and Broil the Chicken
Brush the thickened maple glaze generously over each chicken breast. Then switch your oven to broil, returning the chicken to the heat for about 10 to 12 minutes. This final step caramelizes the glaze perfectly while ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 7: Serve Warm with Extra Glaze
Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest briefly then serve warm. Drizzle additional maple glaze on top to keep every bite bursting with flavor and moisture.
How to Serve Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh thyme sprigs not only add a pop of green color but also a fragrant aroma that enhances the dish visually and aromatically. A few thin apple slices on the side can welcome guests to the plate’s main features at a glance.
Side Dishes
This stuffed chicken pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like a fresh green salad or steamed asparagus. For a heartier touch, roasted baby potatoes or creamy mashed sweet potatoes work beautifully to complement the maple and apple flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the stuffed chicken breasts crosswise to reveal the inviting layers of apple and brie inside—this makes for an impressive presentation. You can also plate the chicken over a bed of wild rice or quinoa to soak up the extra maple glaze and add textural contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the maple glaze separate if possible, then reheat just before serving to keep the chicken tender and the glaze fresh.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well when fully cooked and cooled. Wrap each stuffed chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the chicken’s texture and avoid rubberiness. Add extra maple glaze after reheating for the best flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! Honeycrisp is perfect for its crisp texture and sweetness, but Granny Smith or Fuji apples can also work nicely if you prefer tartness or a softer bite after baking.
Is brie the best cheese for this recipe?
Brie melts beautifully and has a subtle creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with apples and maple syrup. If you want a slightly stronger flavor, camembert can be a great alternative.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the brie with a dairy-free cheese that melts well, though it will change the flavor slightly. Make sure your maple glaze ingredients are also free from added dairy.
How thick should I slice the apple and brie?
Thin slices about 1/8 inch thick work best, allowing them to cook evenly inside the chicken without creating bulk that makes folding difficult.
Can I prepare the stuffed chicken ahead and bake it later?
Yes, you can prepare and stuff the chicken up to a day in advance, keep it covered in the fridge, then bake and glaze right before serving for freshly cooked results.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe quickly becomes a favorite in my household because it feels like a special occasion dish that’s surprisingly effortless to prepare. The mix of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors all tucked into juicy chicken is such a treat! I promise once you try this, it will be one of those recipes you keep making again and again, whether for dinner parties or simply treating yourself on a weeknight.
Print
Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the perfect blend of sweet and savory with this Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts are stuffed with crisp honeycrisp apple slices and creamy brie, then baked and finished with a luscious maple syrup glaze infused with apple cider and fresh thyme. This elegant dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Filling
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces brie cheese, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Maple Glaze
- 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Fresh thyme, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally but not all the way through, then open the breast like a book. Season the inside generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Stuff Chicken: Layer thin apple slices and brie cheese evenly inside each chicken breast, then carefully fold them back together to encase the filling securely.
- Bake Chicken: Place the stuffed breasts on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is almost cooked through but not fully done.
- Make Maple Glaze: While the chicken bakes, combine apple cider, maple syrup, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and fresh thyme in a small skillet. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens into a luscious glaze.
- Glaze and Broil: Remove the chicken from the oven and brush generously with the maple glaze. Broil on high for 10 to 12 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) and the glaze caramelizes beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the stuffed chicken warm, drizzled with any remaining maple glaze for a sweet and savory finish that complements the tender meat and melty cheese.
Notes
- Be sure to monitor the broiling step closely to avoid burning the glaze.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F internal temperature.
- Honeycrisp apples add the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, but Granny Smith apples can be substituted for a tarter flavor.
- If brie rind is strong in flavor, you may trim it off before slicing to mellow the taste.
- The asparagus or steamed green beans pair well as side vegetables for this dish.
