Description
Succulent chicken breast wrapped around creamy brie and crisp apple creates a delightful main course. Herb-seasoned and pan-seared, this elegant dish promises a perfect balance of flavors you will savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 honeycrisp apple, cored and sliced thin
- 1 wedge of brie cheese, sliced
- 2 tbsps (30 mL) maple syrup
- 1 tsp (5 mL) dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp (1.25 mL) dried thyme
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Maple Glaze Preparation: Whisk ingredients until smooth and glossy, allowing flavors to harmonize at room temperature.
- Oven Preparation: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C), creating an ideal cooking environment.
- Chicken Preparation: Create a deep lengthwise pocket in chicken breasts, being careful not to cut completely through the meat, then generously season with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance the foundational flavor profile.
- Searing Process: Heat cast iron skillet over medium-high flame with a thin olive oil layer, sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown crust.
- Stuffing and Glazing: Layer thin apple slices and creamy brie inside the chicken pocket, secure with toothpicks if necessary, then brush thoroughly with prepared maple glaze.
- Baking Technique: Transfer stuffed chicken to the skillet and bake in preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serving: Remove from oven, allow 3-4 minutes resting time for juice redistribution, then plate and serve immediately while warm and aromatic.
Notes
- Prep with Precision: Create a clean, deep pocket in chicken without cutting through completely for perfect stuffing placement.
- Sear for Flavor Depth: Golden-brown crust develops complex taste profiles and locks in moisture before oven finishing.
- Temperature Mastery: Use meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature, guaranteeing safe and juicy chicken every time.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow 3-4 minutes post-baking for juice redistribution, ensuring each bite remains tender and succulent.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg