This Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast Stuffed with Brie & Apple is the epitome of a cozy autumn meal that is both elegant and comforting. The tender chicken breast is filled with creamy brie and crisp apple slices, then glazed with a sweet and tangy maple mustard sauce, creating a dish that’s rich in flavor and perfect for cooler months. This recipe is simple yet sophisticated, making it ideal for a special dinner or a holiday gathering.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz brie cheese, sliced
- 1 apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are great options)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Glaze:
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure the oven is fully heated before placing the chicken in.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
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Cut a Pocket in Each Chicken Breast
Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Be sure not to cut all the way through to the other side. -
Season the Chicken
Season both the inside and outside of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the meat and balance out the sweetness of the glaze.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
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Stuff with Brie and Apple
Fill each chicken breast pocket with slices of brie cheese and apple slices. Use enough to generously stuff the chicken without overfilling. Secure the pocket with toothpicks if needed to hold the stuffing in place.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
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Heat the Olive Oil
In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for about 3 minutes per side or until the chicken is golden brown. This step helps develop a crispy exterior and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Step 5: Make the Maple Mustard Glaze
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Combine the Glaze Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. This creates a sweet, tangy glaze that pairs beautifully with the richness of the brie and the crispness of the apples.
Step 6: Glaze and Bake the Chicken
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Coat the Chicken with the Glaze
Pour the maple mustard glaze over the seared chicken breasts, ensuring that the glaze coats the chicken evenly. -
Bake
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The glaze should caramelize and form a glossy coating on the chicken.
Step 7: Serve
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Rest and Garnish
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist, tender bite. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and serve warm.
Helpful Tips for Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast Stuffed with Brie & Apple
Keep the Brie Cold
Brie is easier to slice and stuff when it’s slightly chilled. Keep the brie in the fridge until you’re ready to cut it and stuff it into the chicken. This helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
Secure the Chicken with Toothpicks
To prevent the brie and apple filling from melting out while cooking, use toothpicks to secure the chicken pockets. This ensures that everything stays inside the chicken while it’s cooking and prevents any mess.
Choose the Right Apple
For the best flavor balance, use a tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These varieties hold up well during cooking and add a nice contrast to the creamy brie and the sweet maple glaze. Their tartness also complements the richness of the chicken.
Sear the Chicken for Extra Flavor
Searing the chicken before baking adds a beautiful golden color and deepens the flavor. Don’t skip this step for the best results.
Substitutions and Variations for Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast Stuffed with Brie & Apple
Brie Substitutes:
- Goat Cheese: Swap brie with goat cheese for a tangier flavor. Goat cheese offers a unique creamy texture that pairs well with the sweet glaze.
- Camembert: Use camembert for a more delicate, creamy texture similar to brie, but with a slightly more pronounced earthy flavor.
Apple Substitutes:
- Pears: Instead of apples, try sliced pears. Pears are softer and sweeter than apples, adding a different depth of flavor. They pair beautifully with the maple mustard glaze and offer a unique twist to the dish.
Maple Syrup Alternatives:
- Honey: If you don’t have maple syrup, you can use honey for a similar sweetness. The honey will add a smooth, floral sweetness to the glaze.
- Brown Sugar: You can also substitute brown sugar for a deeper caramelized flavor in the glaze. Brown sugar will enhance the richness of the chicken.
Add a Nutty Crunch:
For added texture, consider sprinkling chopped walnuts or pecans inside the chicken pocket with the brie and apple. The nuts add a crunchy contrast to the soft cheese and sweet apples.
Spicy Twist:
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the maple mustard glaze. This will give the dish a sweet-spicy balance that complements the richness of the chicken and the sweetness of the glaze.
Herbed Flavor:
To introduce more herbed flavor, mix fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or thyme into the glaze or sprinkle them over the stuffed chicken breasts before baking. This adds an earthy, aromatic touch that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Answer: Yes! You can stuff the chicken breasts with brie and apple, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 8 hours before cooking. When you’re ready to cook, sear, glaze, and bake as directed.
2. What type of apple works best for this recipe?
Answer: A crisp, tart apple like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji works best. These varieties hold up well during cooking and add a nice contrast to the creamy brie and sweet maple glaze.
3. How can I make sure the brie doesn’t melt out of the chicken?
Answer: To prevent the brie from melting out, keep it chilled and slice it slightly thicker. Also, ensure the chicken is securely stuffed and consider using toothpicks to hold the pocket closed while cooking.
4. Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?
Answer: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for easier stuffing, you can use bone-in breasts. However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and may need to finish the dish on the stovetop if the oven-safe skillet doesn’t fit the larger breasts as well.
Conclusion
Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast Stuffed with Brie & Apple is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors. The tender chicken is enhanced by the rich brie and crisp apples, all complemented by the tangy sweetness of the maple mustard glaze. Whether served for a special occasion or a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. With helpful tips, substitution options, and simple steps, you can create an elegant, comforting meal that is as beautiful as it is delicious.