Description
Savor the delicious combination of tender chicken breasts stuffed with creamy Brie cheese, tart apples, and fresh thyme, all enhanced with crunchy walnuts. This Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken is a perfect sweet and savory dish, ideal for any dinner occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1 large apple, cored and diced (preferably Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced apple, Brie cheese, chopped walnuts (if using), fresh thyme, and honey. Mix gently until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- Remove the plastic wrap and season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and pepper.
- Take a generous amount of the apple and Brie filling and place it in the center of each chicken breast. Fold the chicken over the filling, creating a pocket. Secure the edges with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Carefully remove the skillet from heat and pour the chicken broth around the chicken, avoiding pouring it directly on top.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the chicken if desired.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Once done, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
- Slice each stuffed chicken breast in half to reveal the filling. Arrange on a platter and drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top.
- Garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves or chopped walnuts. Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For a more intense flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper for a few hours before stuffing.
- Feel free to substitute the walnuts with pecans or omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes