Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both impressive and incredibly comforting, this Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine juicy chicken breasts packed with sweet, crisp apple slices and creamy, melty Brie cheese—plus a little zing from mustard and fragrant thyme. It’s a delicious combo that tastes fancy but comes together quicker than you’d expect. Stick around because I’m sharing all my best tips so your stuffed chicken turns out perfectly every time!
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of apples contrasts beautifully with the creamy Brie and tangy mustard.
- Simple Technique: Butterflying the chicken is easier than you think and helps keep all the delicious fillings inside.
- Versatile Cooking: You can quickly sear and simmer on the stovetop or use the oven method for a hands-off approach.
- Elevated but Approachable: It feels like a special occasion meal but is perfect for a weeknight dinner too.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each element in this Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe complements the others to create that perfect flavor harmony. When shopping, fresh apples and quality Brie cheese make all the difference, so I always reach for the freshest I can find at the market.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose breasts that are similar in size for even cooking and easier stuffing.
- Kosher salt: Helps to season the chicken inside and out, enhancing all those flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that balances the sweetness from the apples.
- Dried thyme: I prefer fresh when possible, but dried thyme still adds that lovely earthy aroma.
- Baby spinach or arugula: Optional, but a few leaves add a fresh, peppery green layer that’s a nice touch.
- Green apple: Granny Smith or similar tart apples work best to cut through the richness of the Brie.
- Brie cheese: Use a creamy Brie, sliced thin to ensure it melts nicely inside the chicken without overpowering.
- Dijon mustard: Adds tang and depth, perfect for brushing on the chicken for extra flavor.
- Coarse ground mustard: Gives a bit of texture and a punchier mustard flavor layered with the Dijon.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: For searing, bringing a rich, silky finish to the chicken’s exterior.
Make It Your Way
I love making this Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe my own by swapping up the greens or playing with the cooking method depending on the day. You can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs without losing any of its magic.
- Variation: Sometimes I swap baby spinach for fresh basil or thyme leaves for a brighter herbal note—your call!
- Dietary substitution: If you need a dairy-free version, try a mild vegan cheese, though the Brie’s creaminess is hard to beat.
- Cooking method: The oven-baked version is super handy when you want to set it and forget it, but stovetop searing gives you that gorgeous pan sauce.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Butterfly Chicken Like a Pro
Start by carefully butterflying each chicken breast—slice horizontally almost all the way through so it opens like a book, but keep it attached on one side. This technique traps all the stuffing inside as the chicken cooks. Don’t rush this step! Using a sharp knife and steady hands makes all the difference. If you’re new to butterflying, it helps to watch a quick video to get comfortable with the motion.
Step 2: Layer Flavors Inside
Sprinkle the salt, pepper, and thyme on the inside of the chicken. Lay down a small bed of baby spinach or arugula next, if you’re using it—this keeps the filling moist and adds freshness. Then pile on the thinly sliced green apple and Brie cheese. For each breast, about three slices of apple and Brie work perfectly without overstuffing.
Step 3: Close and Coat
Fold your chicken “book” closed, pressing gently to keep everything inside. I don’t usually use toothpicks here, but if you want extra security, pop in a couple. In a small bowl, mix your Dijon and coarse ground mustard, then brush half over one side of each chicken breast.
Step 4: Sear and Cook
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken mustard-side down and sear for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. Brush the other side with the remaining mustard mixture, then flip and sear that side for another 3 to 4 minutes. After that, lower the heat to just under medium, cover your pan, and cook for roughly 5 to 8 minutes depending on thickness. The goal is juicy, cooked-through chicken without burning or drying it out.
Step 5: Plate and Serve
Once your chicken is cooked through, plate it immediately—you want that melty Brie and tender apple in every bite. Don’t forget to spoon any delicious pan sauce over the top; it’s pure gold. Serve hot and watch your guests dig in with big smiles!
Tips from My Kitchen
- Butterflying Confidence: Keep your chicken cold before slicing—it firms up the meat so you get a cleaner, easier cut.
- Even Searing: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for steady heat and don’t overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if needed for a perfect crust.
- Flavor Boost: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep the juices locked in and the Brie melty inside.
- Avoid Dryness: Don’t cook over too high a heat once seared—medium-low with the lid on traps moisture for tender, juicy bites.
How to Serve Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I usually garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or chopped parsley—it adds a pop of color and a bit more herbal brightness to contrast the rich Brie. Sometimes a drizzle of honey or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens it up just right.
Side Dishes
This stuffed chicken pairs beautifully with a light salad or crispy roasted potatoes—both of which soak up the delicious pan sauce. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or even wild rice work wonderfully. I’ve also loved it with sautéed green beans tossed in garlic butter.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve sliced the stuffed chicken into medallions and fanned them out on a platter with apple slices and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It looks restaurant-worthy but is totally doable at home—and always impresses guests at dinner parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When I have leftovers, I let the chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best eaten within 4-5 days. I slice the chicken before storing because reheating smaller portions warms it more evenly without drying it out.
Freezing
Freezing stuffed chicken can be a bit tricky because the apple texture changes, but I’ve successfully frozen cooked, cooled chicken wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat. The dish is still tasty, though I prefer fresh when possible.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat in a covered pan with a splash of water or broth to keep things moist. The microwave works if you’re in a pinch—cover and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken and melting the Brie messily.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of cheese in this Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! While Brie adds a creamy, rich texture and mild flavor, you can substitute with Camembert, goat cheese, or even mozzarella if you prefer a milder taste. Just be mindful of melting properties to keep that ooey-gooey filling.
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What’s the best apple to use for stuffing chicken?
I recommend tart, firm apples like Granny Smith. Their crispness and acidity balance the richness of the Brie and mustard, and they hold up well during cooking without turning mushy.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check your mustard labels and other ingredients to ensure they don’t contain gluten additives.
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Do I need toothpicks to keep the chicken stuffed?
Not necessarily. I don’t use toothpicks as the butterflied breast holds together well if you handle it gently. However, if you feel more comfortable, a couple of toothpicks can secure the edges during cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Recipe is one of those meals I keep coming back to because it’s both simple and special. It’s perfect when you want to treat yourself or impress friends without pulling out the whole arsenal of cooking skills. The flavor combo is unique but approachable, and I guarantee you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar pulling this off effortlessly. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
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: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Delicious and elegant Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken breasts stuffed with thinly sliced green apples, creamy brie cheese, and optional greens, all seasoned with herbs and mustard for a perfect balance of flavors. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner and can be cooked on the stovetop or baked in the oven.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 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)
Filling
- 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
- Butterfly the Chicken: Carefully cut the chicken breasts horizontally so they open like a book but remain attached on one side, creating a pocket for stuffing.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the insides of the butterflied chicken breasts with kosher salt, black pepper, and dried thyme for flavor.
- Add Greens: Place a handful of baby spinach or arugula on one side of each chicken breast to create an even bottom layer for the filling.
- Stuff with Apple and Brie: Layer about 3 thin slices of green apple and 3 slices of brie cheese on top of the greens in each chicken breast.
- Fold and Secure: Fold the chicken breasts closed over the filling. Toothpicks are optional to keep the chicken closed while cooking.
- Prepare Mustard Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together Dijon mustard and coarse ground mustard. Brush half of this mixture on the tops of the chicken breasts.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts mustard-side down in the pan, then brush the other side with the remaining mustard mixture. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until well browned, flipping carefully to keep the filling inside.
- Finish Cooking: After searing both sides, cover the pan and reduce the heat to just under medium. Cook for about 5-8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Plate the chicken breasts and serve hot, spooning any extra pan sauce over the top for added flavor.
Notes
- For oven baking, preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the mustard-brushed chicken breasts on a foil-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 30-35 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Baking omits the delicious pan sauce but offers a hands-off cooking option.
- Leftover stuffed chicken can be refrigerated in a covered container for 4-5 days and reheated in a pan or microwave for even warming without drying out.
- Use fresh thyme instead of dried thyme for more vibrant flavor if available.
- Ensure careful flipping during searing to avoid spilling the filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg