Hey there, friend! If you’re looking for a delicious and elegant dinner option that impresses without too much fuss, then you’re in for a treat with this Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken recipe! Seriously, tender chicken filled with creamy Brie cheese and sweet, juicy apples is a combination that will warm your heart and please your taste buds. Plus, this dish makes for a fantastic centerpoint at your dinner table—perfect for family gatherings or a cozy date night!
Nutritional Benefits
Now, while we’re indulging in delicious food, let’s talk nutrition! Chicken breast is a great source of lean protein, which helps keep you satisfied and energized throughout your day. The apples in this dish add a touch of natural sweetness along with dietary fiber, which is great for digestion! And let’s not forget the heart-healthy fats from the pecans, offering a bit of crunch along with extra nutrients. Overall, this stuffed chicken is not just tasty but has some wonderful health benefits too!
Adaptable Variations
This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to make it work for you!
- For a Vegan Option: Swap out the chicken for large portobello mushrooms and use a vegan cheese alternative—trust me, it tastes great!
- Nut-Free?: Just leave out the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds for that nice crunch without the nuts.
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, consider adding some finely chopped jalapeños to the apple mixture for a spicy kick!
Easy and Elegant Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 cup Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1 medium apple, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Olive oil, for cooking
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (for additional flavor)
Serves 2–3 people
Standard portions → 2 servings
Slightly smaller portions → up to 3 servings
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want it nice and hot for our chicken!
- Prepare Chicken: Take a sharp knife and carefully slice each chicken breast to create a pocket. Just make sure not to cut all the way through—you’re building a cozy little home for that filling!
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix together the diced apple, Brie cheese, optional pecans, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Ooh, the aroma is already amazing!
- Stuff the Chicken: Generously fill each chicken breast pocket with that delicious apple and Brie mixture. If needed, secure the pocket with toothpicks to hold everything safely inside.
- Season: Drizzle the stuffed chicken with olive oil, then generously season each breast with salt, pepper, and paprika to elevate those flavors.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil and sear those chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown—trust me, your kitchen will smell divine!
- Bake: Now, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes. Cook until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)—that ensures it’s safe to eat and oh-so-tender!
- Garnish: Once you take it out, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. Finally, sprinkle some fresh thyme leaves on top for that fresh herb aroma.
- Serve: Slice into the chicken to reveal the melty Brie and apples—what a sight! Serve warm with your favorite sides, and get ready to enjoy a beautifully elegant dinner!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They taste great the next day, too!
- For optimal flavor, try letting the stuffed chicken marinate in the honey and Dijon mustard for an hour before cooking—totally worth it!
- Need a quick side? A simple salad or some roasted veggies complement this chicken perfectly!
Equipment Needed
To make this dish, here’s what you’ll need:
- A sharp knife for slicing the chicken
- A mixing bowl for making the filling
- A cutting board for prepping your ingredients
- An oven-safe skillet (cast iron or any oven-safe pan works great)
- Toothpicks for securing the chicken (if needed)
- A meat thermometer to check that your chicken is cooked through (optional, but helpful!)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of cheese? Absolutely! Cream cheese or goat cheese also pairs wonderfully with the apples.
- Is there a vegetarian option? Yes! You can try stuffing roasted bell peppers or large mushrooms with the same filling!
- How can I tell if the chicken is done? Using a meat thermometer is the easiest way—it should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
- Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can prep the chicken and filling earlier in the day and stuff the chicken just before you’re ready to cook!
- What sides would you recommend? Roasted potatoes, a green salad, or even steamed broccoli make great pairings!
And there you have it—an elegant Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken recipe that’s sure to impress! I’m excited for you to give this a try. Have you made it? Let me know how it turned out! If you loved it, consider sharing your masterpiece on Pinterest so others can enjoy it too. Happy cooking!
