If you’re craving a dish that balances sweet, savory, and creamy flavors all in one bite, you’ve got to try this Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe. Tender chicken breasts are stuffed with juicy, crisp apples and melting brie, then baked and topped with a luxuriously sticky maple glaze that adds depth and a hint of fruitiness. It’s an impressive meal yet surprisingly straightforward, perfect for cozy dinners or sharing with friends who appreciate a little culinary magic on their plates.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the crispness of honeycrisp apples to the creamy richness of brie and the aromatic touch of fresh thyme, these components come together to create a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures.
- 4 boneless chicken breasts: The perfect blank canvas for stuffing, they cook tender and juicy.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors inside and out.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and depth.
- 1 honeycrisp apple, sliced thin into half moons: Sweet and crisp, these add a delightful freshness and a subtle tartness.
- 4 ounces brie cheese, sliced thin: Creamy and mild, brie melts beautifully inside the chicken.
- 1 cup apple cider or apple juice: Provides a fruity base for the glaze, intensifying the apple notes.
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup: This imparts a natural sweetness that caramelizes to a gorgeous glaze.
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves): Adds a savory punch that balances sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings a slight tang and complexity to the glaze.
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, removed from stems: Herbaceous and fragrant for a subtle earthiness.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (for glaze): To round out the flavors in the sweet glaze.
How to Make Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a broil-safe skillet to prevent sticking. Carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally without cutting all the way through, allowing it to open flat like a book. Season both sides of the inside with salt and pepper to ensure every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 2: Stuff with Apples and Brie
Lay thin half-moons of honeycrisp apple evenly over the opened breast. These slices introduce a crisp texture and just the right balance of sweet and tart. Next, layer thin slices of brie cheese above the apples, which will melt into a creamy, indulgent center as the chicken cooks. Fold the chicken back over to encase the filling, making a neat little package of deliciousness.
Step 3: Bake the Stuffed Chicken
Place your stuffed chicken breasts carefully on the prepared baking surface. Bake them for 25 to 30 minutes, until they are nearly cooked through. This step ensures the chicken remains juicy while gently warming the apple and melting the brie inside.
Step 4: Make the Maple Glaze
While the chicken bakes, prepare the glaze by combining apple cider (or apple juice), pure maple syrup, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, and salt in a small skillet over medium heat. Let the mixture simmer gently, reducing it until it thickens and there is about half left—this usually takes 12 to 15 minutes. This glaze is what gives the dish its irresistible glossy finish and sweet-savory punch.
Step 5: Broil with Glaze
Turn your oven to broil. Brush a generous layer of the thickened glaze over each chicken breast. Broil the chicken for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep a close eye so the glaze doesn’t burn but caramelizes beautifully, adding a flavorful crust that’s impossible to resist.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once broiled to perfection, serve your Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken warm, drizzled with any extra glaze left from the pan. The contrast between the golden glazed top, the tender chicken, crisp apples, and creamy brie makes every mouthful a little celebration.
How to Serve Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and add a fresh note, sprinkle some additional fresh thyme leaves over the plated chicken. A few thin apple slices on the side can also add visual appeal and a crisp contrast to the tender chicken.
Side Dishes
This stuffed chicken pairs beautifully with roasted root vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a light arugula salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. These sides complement the sweet and savory flavors without overpowering the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant touch, slice the stuffed chicken crosswise to reveal the swirls of apple and melted brie inside, then fan the slices on the plate with a generous brush of maple glaze around them. For casual gatherings, serve the whole breasts family-style on a rustic wooden board with bowls of extra glaze for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the baked chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw thoroughly in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chicken gently in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to avoid drying out the meat and melting the brie inside just right. You can also reheat covered in the microwave, but keep the glaze on the side to avoid burning it during heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Honeycrisp is fantastic for its balance of sweet and tart, but Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala apples work well too. Just aim for a crisp variety that holds its shape when baked.
Can I substitute the brie with another cheese?
Yes, if you prefer, you can use Camembert or Fontina as alternatives, since they also melt nicely and have a buttery flavor, complementing the apples and chicken.
Is it necessary to broil the chicken after glazing?
Broiling the chicken after applying the glaze adds a beautiful caramelized finish and intensifies the flavor. However, if you’re cautious about broiling, you can bake it a little longer at 375°F until the glaze slightly thickens on top.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest and most accurate way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is juicy and safe to eat.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free as long as you choose gluten-free apple cider or juice and check that your Dijon mustard does not contain any hidden gluten ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe, it may just become a favorite in your kitchen. Its mix of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors alongside the hint of fresh herbs feels elegantly simple and satisfying. Definitely a dish to impress guests or treat yourself to a special weeknight dinner that feels anything but ordinary.
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Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken is a deliciously elegant dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with sweet honeycrisp apples and creamy brie cheese. The chicken is baked and then broiled with a sweet and savory maple glaze made from apple cider, maple syrup, garlic, Dijon mustard, and fresh thyme. Perfect for a comforting dinner or special occasion, this recipe yields juicy, flavorful chicken with a beautifully caramelized finish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Stuffing
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 honeycrisp apple, sliced thin into half moons
- 4 ounces brie cheese, sliced thin
Maple Glaze
- 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic (about 2 garlic cloves)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, removed from the stems
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or spray a broil-safe skillet with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket or butterfly them carefully without cutting all the way through. Season the inside of the chicken breasts evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Stuff Chicken: Layer thin slices of honeycrisp apple inside each butterflied chicken breast, using about 7 to 9 slices per breast. Top the apples with 3 to 4 thin slices of brie cheese. Fold the chicken breasts closed to encase the stuffing firmly inside.
- Start Baking: Transfer the stuffed chicken breasts carefully onto the prepared baking sheet or skillet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
- Make Glaze: While the chicken bakes, combine the apple cider or apple juice, pure maple syrup, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, and kosher salt in a small skillet over medium heat. Simmer the mixture until thickened and reduced by half, which usually takes 12 to 15 minutes depending on your skillet size.
- Broil Chicken: Once the initial baking is complete, change the oven setting to broil. Brush the prepared maple glaze generously over the tops of the chicken breasts. Broil for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the glaze is caramelized and sticky. Be sure to watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and serve warm. Drizzle additional maple glaze over each serving for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F internally.
- If you don’t have brie, a mild creamy cheese such as camembert can be substituted.
- Honeycrisp apples are preferred for their sweetness and texture but other sweet apples like Gala or Fuji work well too.
- Make sure the skillet used for the glaze is not too large to properly reduce the liquid.
- If you prefer, use a broiler-safe skillet to bake and broil in the same pan for easy cleanup.
