This tasty chicken is filled with creamy brie and sweet apple, then drizzled with rich maple glaze. It’s a wonderful mix of flavors that will impress everyone at your dinner table!
I love making this dish when I want something special without too much fuss. The gooey cheese has a way of making my heart (and taste buds) happy! 🍏🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for stuffing. If you’re looking for alternatives, turkey cutlets can work too, adding a different flavor.
Brie Cheese: This creamy cheese gives a rich texture. If brie isn’t available, you can use Camembert or even cream cheese for a different take.
Apple: I love using Granny Smith for its balance of tartness and sweetness. Honeycrisp is a great substitute if you prefer a sweeter bite. Just avoid cooking apples as they might disintegrate.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds a natural sweetness. If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, honey or agave syrup can also work, but the flavor will change slightly.
Rosemary: Fresh is best for flavor, but if you only have dried rosemary, use about one-third of the amount. You can also swap in other herbs like thyme or sage for variety.
How Do You Get That Chicken Perfectly Seared?
Getting a lovely golden crust on your chicken is key for taste and presentation. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet and oil are hot before adding the chicken; this helps to create a nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! If your skillet is too crowded, the chicken will steam instead of sear.
- Let the chicken cook without moving it for a few minutes to allow the crust to form, then flip carefully.
- Cook it until browned on both sides before transferring it to the oven to finish cooking.
With a little patience and these tips, you’ll get that perfect sear every time!
How to Make Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz brie cheese, sliced
- 1 medium apple (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook in the oven. Overall, you can enjoy a delicious meal on your table in about 35-40 minutes. Perfect for a cozy dinner without too much hassle!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your chicken cooks evenly once we get to baking!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and slice a pocket horizontally through the thickest part. Be careful not to cut all the way through—the goal is to make a nice space to hold the yummy filling!
3. Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle salt, pepper, and half of the chopped rosemary both inside and outside the chicken breasts. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken!
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Now it’s time to fill each pocket! Layer a few slices of brie cheese and thin apple slices inside each chicken breast. Make sure to distribute them evenly so each bite is flavorful!
5. Sear the Chicken:
In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts into the skillet. Let them sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. This adds a nice crust!
6. Create the Maple Glaze:
While the chicken is searing, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and the remaining chopped rosemary in a small bowl. This will be our delicious glaze!
7. Brush with the Glaze:
Once the chicken is beautifully seared, generously brush some of the maple glaze over the chicken breasts. This will add so much flavor and sweetness!
8. Bake the Chicken:
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures your chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat!
9. Let It Rest:
After baking, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Spoon some more maple glaze over the top of the chicken and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle and keeps the chicken moist!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Finally, garnish your stuffed chicken with fresh rosemary sprigs for a lovely presentation. Serve it up, and enjoy your tender, juicy chicken filled with melted brie and sweet apple glaze!
Bon appétit! 😊
Can I Use Different Cheese for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While brie gives a delightful creaminess, you can substitute it with Camembert, goat cheese, or even cream cheese if you prefer a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that each cheese will bring its own unique taste!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh rosemary, dried herbs will do in a pinch. Use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. You could also swap in other dried herbs like thyme or sage for a different flavor twist.
Can I Prepare the Chicken in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the chicken by stuffing it with cheese and apples ahead of time, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or gently reheat in the microwave if you prefer. Enjoy it again or use it sliced in salads or wraps!
