Description
Creamy French brie nestles inside juicy chicken breasts, creating a luxurious dinner experience. Crisp apple slices and herbs elevate this elegant dish, offering you a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors that delight the palate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 honeycrisp apple, cored and sliced thin
- 1 wedge of brie cheese, sliced
Seasoning:
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Glaze Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) dried thyme
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions
- Craft the maple glaze by vigorously whisking ingredients until smooth and glossy, then set aside at room temperature to allow flavors to meld.
- Warm the oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring precise temperature for optimal cooking environment.
- Position chicken breasts on a clean cutting board and delicately slice a deep pocket lengthwise, stopping just short of completely cutting through the meat.
- Generously season both exterior surfaces of chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, creating a foundational flavor profile.
- Select a heavy cast iron skillet and heat over medium-high flame, drizzling a thin layer of extra virgin olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot skillet, searing for 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust develops, then transfer to a clean surface.
- Layer thin slices of crisp apples and creamy brie cheese inside the chicken breast pocket, ensuring even distribution and maximum flavor integration.
- Secure the stuffed chicken breasts with toothpicks if needed to maintain structural integrity during cooking.
- Return stuffed chicken to the cast iron skillet, generously brushing each piece with prepared maple glaze.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Remove from oven, let rest for 3-4 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, then serve immediately while warm and aromatic.
Notes
- Prep chicken carefully by creating a pocket without cutting through completely, ensuring even stuffing distribution.
- Searing chicken before baking locks in moisture and creates a beautiful golden-brown exterior that enhances overall flavor profile.
- Use toothpicks strategically to prevent cheese and apple filling from spilling out during cooking process.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is safely cooked without becoming dry.
- Maple glaze adds a delightful sweet-savory dimension that complements the rich brie and crisp apple filling.
- Cast iron skillet provides consistent heat and allows seamless transition from stovetop to oven, minimizing dish cleanup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg