Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both elegant and surprisingly simple to prepare, I can’t recommend this Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe enough. The sweet crispness of the apple pairs perfectly with the creamy, melty brie, all wrapped up in juicy chicken breasts. Every bite feels like a little celebration. Stick with me here, and I’ll walk you through making this fan-freaking-tastic meal that always wows guests yet feels like comfort food you can enjoy any night.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The tartness of green apples complements the richness of brie for a harmonious bite.
- Simple Technique: Butterflying the chicken keeps things easy but impressive in presentation.
- Versatile Cooking Options: You can sear then simmer for pan sauce or bake for a fuss-free dinner.
- Everyday Ingredients: Uses staples you might already have, with just a few fresh additions.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe shines because it combines fresh ingredients that complement each other beautifully. The balance of creamy brie, crisp apple, and fragrant thyme creates layers of flavor without overwhelming you. Let me share some personal tips on choosing the best ingredients to get the most from this recipe.
- Chicken Breasts: Fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal; butterfly them yourself for better control rather than buying pre-sliced.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Keeps the chicken seasoned perfectly without masking subtle flavors.
- Dried Thyme: Adds that earthy herb note; fresh thyme works too if you have it on hand.
- Baby Spinach or Arugula: A peppery or mild green layer adds freshness and a pop of color; optional but recommended.
- Green Apple: Choose a tart, firm apple like Granny Smith for contrast and crunch.
- Brie Cheese: Soft, creamy brie melts luxuriously inside; room temperature slices work best for even melting.
- Dijon & Coarse Ground Mustard: Blend of mustards gives the chicken a tangy crust and deep flavor.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: For searing; adds a hint of fruitiness and helps develop a golden crust.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the things I love most about this Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe is its flexibility. I often switch things up depending on what’s in my fridge or the season. You can easily personalize it to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Variation: I sometimes swap brie for goat cheese for a slightly tangier twist, which pairs beautifully with the apple.
- Add Herbs: Adding chopped fresh rosemary or sage along with thyme can take the flavor to another level during fall.
- Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes inside before folding up the chicken.
- Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but just double-check your mustard labels to be sure.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Butterfly Your Chicken Breasts Like a Pro
Start by carefully slicing the chicken breasts horizontally, keeping one side intact so the breast opens like a book. This step might intimidate you if you’ve never done it before, but I promise it’s easier than it seems. Using a sharp knife and working slowly ensures the chicken doesn’t tear. I like to place my chicken between plastic wrap and slice through that to keep things tidy. Butterflying this way makes room for all the delicious fillings!
Step 2: Season and Layer Your Ingredients
Sprinkle kosher salt, black pepper, and thyme evenly on the inside of each butterflied breast. Then add a few leaves of spinach or arugula – this not only adds flavor but a nice vibrant green peek of freshness when you slice into the chicken later. Layer about 3 thin apple slices and 3 slices of brie inside. This ratio keeps each bite balanced, so you get the right mix of sweet and creamy.
Step 3: Fold, Brush & Sear
Fold the chicken back over to enclose all the stuffing. I usually skip toothpicks, but if your chicken wants to pop open, you can secure it safely. Next, whisk together the Dijon and coarse ground mustard and brush half of this onto one side of each chicken breast. Heat olive oil in a skillet on medium-high heat, place the chicken mustard-side down, and immediately brush the other side with the rest of the mustard mixture. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Be gentle flipping so that all that tasty filling stays inside!
Step 4: Cover, Reduce Heat & Finish Cooking
Once both sides have that beautiful sear, cover your pan with a lid and reduce the heat to just under medium. Let the chicken cook through slowly for about 5-8 minutes, depending on thickness. This step ensures juicy, tender chicken with fully melted brie. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for 165°F in the thickest part.
Step 5: Serve Hot with Pan Sauce
Plate your chicken breasts and spoon any delicious pan sauce that remains over the top. I like to serve this right away while the brie is still gooey. If you’re in a hurry or prefer oven baking, I’ll share that method below. But trust me, finishing it in the skillet makes for that irresistible savory sauce that you’ll want to dip your fork into.
Pro Tips for Making Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Sharp Knife is Your Friend: Take your time butterflying chicken breasts with a sharp knife; it cuts cleanly and helps avoid tearing.
- Don’t Overstuff: Stick to about 3 slices of apple and brie to avoid the chicken ripping or the filling leaking out while cooking.
- Pan Sauce Magic: After cooking, deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth or white wine to create a quick sauce if you want to elevate the dish.
- Use a Thermometer: Avoid dry chicken by checking internal temp, aiming for 165°F; it’s the best way to know it’s perfectly done.
How to Serve Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I like to garnish with a few fresh thyme leaves sprinkled on top to echo the herb inside. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or even a small splash of balsamic glaze adds a lovely finishing touch. The colors from the green apple slices peeking through also make the plate inviting!
Side Dishes
This stuffed chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides like roasted baby potatoes, garlic green beans, or a fresh mixed green salad. For a cozy, complete meal, mashed sweet potatoes or creamy polenta also complement the brie’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve sliced the chicken breasts into medallions and arranged them in a fan shape on a platter with microgreens scattered around. A light drizzle of honey or apple cider reduction also lends a beautiful gloss that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the chicken has cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for 4-5 days, making it excellent for meal prep or quick lunches. Just slice before storing to keep it manageable.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the stuffed chicken before, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently either in the oven or skillet. This way, you don’t lose that melty brie goodness.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer gently warming slices in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep things moist. The microwave works fine too but be careful not to overcook or it can dry out quickly.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of cheese instead of brie in this recipe?
Absolutely! While brie’s creamy texture and mild flavor really shine in this recipe, you can substitute with other soft cheeses like goat cheese, cream cheese, or even mozzarella. Just be mindful that some cheeses melt differently and will change the flavor profile slightly.
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What’s the best apple to use for stuffing chicken?
I recommend tart, firm apples such as Granny Smith because their crispness holds up during cooking and their bright acidity balances the richness of the brie. Avoid very soft or super sweet apples as they can become mushy or overpower the flavor.
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Can I bake the Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe instead of searing?
Yes! If you want a hands-off approach, prepare the chicken the same way, brush with mustard, then bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes on a foil-lined sheet. The downside is you won’t get the tasty pan sauce from searing, but the chicken will still be juicy and delicious.
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Should I secure the stuffed chicken with toothpicks?
It’s optional. I usually don’t bother because the chicken holds together well when folded carefully, but if you find yours wants to open or the filling slips out, toothpicks are a great way to keep everything neatly inside during cooking.
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How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to confirm doneness; the thickest part should reach 165°F. Cooking times vary based on thickness, so this helps avoid dry or undercooked chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe has become one of my staples for both weekday dinners and special gatherings because it’s a true crowd-pleaser that feels elevated but is so approachable. The combination of flavors always surprises guests in the best way, and the technique is straightforward even if you’re not a seasoned cook. I hope you’ll give it a try and fall in love with it just like I have — it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a hug on a plate and makes you proud to serve. Happy cooking!
Print
Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A delicious and elegant Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with fresh apple slices, creamy brie cheese, and a touch of mustard, cooked to perfection for a flavorful main course.
Ingredients
Chicken and Filling
- 4 (6 oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Heaping ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅓ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or about 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme)
- Handful of baby spinach or arugula (optional)
- ½ green apple, thinly sliced (about 12 slices)
- ½ wheel of brie cheese, cut into slices (about 12 slices)
Mustard Mixture and Cooking
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 heaping tablespoon coarse ground mustard
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing horizontally so they open like a book while remaining attached on one side.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the inside of each butterflied chicken breast with kosher salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
- Add greens and filling: Place a few pieces of baby spinach or arugula on one side of each chicken breast, then layer with about 3 slices of green apple and 3 slices of brie cheese per breast.
- Close the chicken: Fold the chicken breasts over to enclose the filling; secure with toothpicks if desired.
- Prepare mustard mixture: In a small bowl, mix Dijon mustard and coarse ground mustard together.
- Brush mustard and heat oil: Brush half of the mustard mixture on one side of each chicken breast. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet mustard side down. Brush the other side with remaining mustard mixture. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side carefully to keep fillings inside.
- Cook through: After searing, cover the pan, reduce heat to just below medium, and cook for 5-8 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Serve: Plate the stuffed chicken breasts and spoon extra pan sauce over the top while serving hot.
Notes
- For baking instead of stovetop, preheat oven to 375°F and place mustard-brushed chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil or use cooking spray before baking for 30-35 minutes until 165°F internal temperature is reached.
- Baking method is more hands-off but won’t produce the pan sauce from searing.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in a covered container for 4-5 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
- You may secure chicken breasts with toothpicks to better hold the filling if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg