This chicken dish brings together juicy chicken, creamy Brie, and sweet apples, all topped with a shiny maple glaze. It’s a delightful mix of savory and sweet!
You won’t believe how simple it is to make this fancy-looking meal. Just imagine cutting into the chicken and seeing that gooey cheese—yum! I can’t resist serving it with some fresh veggies on the side!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless are best for this dish, as they cook evenly and are easy to stuff. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Apples: Fuji and Honeycrisp apples add a nice sweetness, but you can also use Granny Smith for a tart flavor or even pears for a twist.
Brie Cheese: This creamy cheese is essential for its meltiness. If you’re looking for a substitute, try camembert or even mozzarella, but avoid strong flavored cheeses that might overpower the dish.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup gives the best flavor. If you don’t have any, honey could work in a pinch, but it will change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Properly Butterfly Chicken Breasts?
Butterflying chicken breasts creates a pocket that can hold tasty fillings. It’s simple! Just follow these steps:
- Place the chicken breast on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife.
- Hold the chicken steady with one hand and cut horizontally from the thicker side towards the thinner, stopping before you cut all the way through.
- Open up the chicken like a book. Make sure it is even so it cooks uniformly.
This method keeps the stuffing inside and helps with even cooking. Just remember to be careful with your knife!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure the Chicken is Juicy?
To keep your chicken moist and tender, follow these tips:
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer; pull it out once it reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat juicy when you cut into it.
- Using a glaze like maple syrup adds moisture and flavor, so don’t skip brushing it on!
By paying attention to these details, you’ll have juicy, delicious chicken every time!
Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large apple (such as Fuji or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 4 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and sliced
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup finely chopped shallots
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
The preparation will take about 15 minutes, and cooking in the oven will add another 20-25 minutes. So, you can expect to spend around 40-45 minutes to prepare this delicious dish from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s ready for cooking the chicken.
2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
Carefully butterfly each chicken breast. To do this, slice horizontally through the thickest part of the breast, making a pocket but don’t cut all the way through. This will hold in your delicious stuffing!
3. Season the Chicken:
Generously season both the inside and outside of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This adds great flavor to your chicken.
4. Sauté Shallots:
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped shallots and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they are softened and lightly golden.
5. Cook the Apples:
Add the diced apples and thyme leaves to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the apples start to soften. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly.
6. Stuff the Chicken:
Stuff each chicken breast with a slice of Brie and a generous spoonful of the apple mixture. If you need to, secure the chicken with toothpicks to keep the stuffing inside.
7. Sear the Chicken:
In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned.
8. Bake the Chicken:
If your skillet isn’t ovenproof, transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish. Brush the tops of each chicken breast with maple syrup for that sweet glaze.
9. Finish Cooking:
Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). In the last 5 minutes, brush the chicken one more time with maple syrup.
10. Let it Rest:
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices in.
11. Plate and Serve:
Carefully plate the chicken, drizzle any pan juices over the top, and garnish with extra fresh thyme. Enjoy the delightful mix of sweet maple glaze, tender chicken, creamy Brie, and warm apple filling!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute Brie with camembert or mozzarella. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may alter the taste and texture a bit!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make it dairy-free, consider using dairy-free cheese alternatives that melt well, such as cashew cheese or coconut-based cheeses. You can skip the butter altogether and use olive oil instead for sautéing.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can stuff and sear the chicken up to a day in advance, then store them tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, brush with maple syrup and bake as instructed—it’ll still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of broth or water to keep the chicken moist.