If you think cooking chicken breasts has to be boring, I’m here to change your mind right now! This Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken recipe proves that sweet and savory flavors belong together on your dinner plate, and it takes less than 45 minutes total. I’m Anna, and I’m just a passionate food lover sharing simple, flavorful chicken recipes designed to make your everyday cooking easier and way more joyful.
This stuffed chicken breast is pure comfort food, perfect for a cozy weeknight but special enough for company. We’re talking juicy chicken wrapped around melted Brie, tart apple, and crunchy walnuts. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken on repeat!
Table Of content
Gathering Your Ingredients for Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken
Getting ready for this Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken is half the fun because the ingredient list is short but packs a huge flavor punch. I always lay everything out before I start cutting pockets in the chicken. Remember, precision matters here so that everything fits snugly! We need just a few things for the main bird, a few richer items for the creamy filling, and some easy pantry staples to whip up that amazing sauce at the end.
Chicken and Seasoning Essentials
You need four boneless, skinless chicken breasts—aim for them to be about one inch thick so they cook evenly. For the initial seasoning, keep it simple but effective: one teaspoon of kosher salt, half a teaspoon of black pepper, and half a teaspoon of dried thyme. Don’t forget the olive oil for that beautiful golden sear later on!
Components for the Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken Filling
This is where the magic happens! You’ll need one cup of finely diced apple and six ounces of Brie cheese. Listen closely: you absolutely must remove the rind from the Brie; it gets rubbery when melted otherwise. We mix that with about a third of a cup of chopped walnuts, plus a quarter teaspoon each of salt and pepper just for the filling mixture.
Creating the Simple Pan Sauce
For the sauce, we want depth without too much salt, so grab three-quarters of a cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Whisk in one tablespoon of Dijon mustard—I love the little kick it adds—and one tiny teaspoon of honey to balance the savory Brie. A final quarter teaspoon of black pepper goes in here too.
Equipment Needed for Perfect Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken
You don’t need a million fancy gadgets for this Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken, which is why I love it for busy nights! We just need a few reliable tools to get that perfect sear and bake. Having the right setup makes the whole process smooth sailing.
Essential Cooking Vessels
- A reliable instant-read thermometer—this is non-negotiable for safety!
- One large, oven-safe skillet, preferably cast iron.
- A small bowl for mixing up that delicious filling.
- Tongs for gently turning the chicken during searing.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken
Okay, let’s get cooking! Making this Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken is straightforward, but the order of operations really matters for the best texture. Preheat your oven to 375°F right now so it’s ready when we need it. This recipe is designed to move fast once we start searing, so organization is key!
Preparing the Chicken Breasts and Filling
First things first, we need to create the pockets. Take each chicken breast and use a sharp paring knife to cut a deep pocket into the thickest side. Be careful not to cut all the way through to the other side—we are making a little hiding spot for our treasure, not slicing the breast in half! You want a pocket that’s roomy enough to stuff but still allows the chicken to mostly stay closed.
In a separate bowl, gently mix your filling: the diced apple, the chopped Brie (rind removed, remember?), the walnuts, and that small quarter teaspoon of salt and pepper you set aside. Mix this really gently so you don’t crush the apples or turn the Brie into mush. Once mixed, carefully spoon this filling evenly into the pockets you made in the chicken. Just press lightly around the opening to encourage it to stay put.
Now, season the outside of the stuffed chicken breasts generously on all sides with the initial seasoning blend: salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Don’t skip the sides!
Searing and Oven Baking the Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken
Heat that tablespoon of olive oil in your large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. You want the oil shimmering, not smoking, before you add the meat. Place the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet. We are searing for five minutes on the first side until it gets that gorgeous, deep golden-brown crust. Flip them carefully with tongs and sear the other side for another five minutes.
Once both sides are beautifully browned, transfer the entire skillet directly into your preheated 375°F oven. This is where the chicken cooks through gently. Let it bake for about 12 minutes. Use your instant-read thermometer—this is crucial! The chicken is done when the thickest part registers exactly 165°F. Pull the skillet out, move the chicken to a plate, and tent it loosely with foil to let those juices settle. Don’t clean the pan!
Making the Quick Pan Sauce
While the chicken is resting—and seriously, let it rest—put that same skillet back on the stovetop over medium heat. You want all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, followed by the Dijon mustard and the honey. Whisk everything together, scraping up those browned bits—that’s flavor gold! Let this mixture simmer for about four minutes until the sauce thickens just a little bit. Stir in that final quarter teaspoon of black pepper. When you’re ready to serve, spoon that incredibly flavorful pan sauce right over your resting Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken.
Tips for Success with Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken
This Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken is so forgiving, but a few little tricks make the difference between a good dinner and a showstopper. My biggest piece of advice revolves around temperature control and uniform prep. If you want that filling to stay put and the meat to be perfectly juicy, pay attention to these details!
Achieving Even Cooking
The main reason chicken breasts cook unevenly is that they are often thicker on one end than the other. Try to choose four chicken breasts that are as close to the same thickness as possible—aiming for that one-inch mark we talked about. If one end is really thick, gently pound it down a bit between two sheets of plastic wrap. And please, please, use that instant-read thermometer! Cooking chicken by time alone is a gamble, but hitting 165°F ensures safety and perfect moisture retention every single time. For more tips on getting juicy results, check out our guide on baked chicken breasts juicy tips.
Ingredient Preparation Notes
When you’re dicing your apple, try to keep the pieces small—think about the size of a dried pea. If the apple chunks are too big, they take up too much room in the pocket and can push the Brie right out the sides when they heat up. Similarly, make sure your walnuts are chopped finely. Big chunks of nuts can puncture the chicken wall if you’re not careful when stuffing. A finer chop ensures the filling blends together nicely into a creamy, textured stuffing that stays safely inside the meat. If you enjoy other stuffed recipes, you might like our spinach artichoke stuffed chicken.
Serving Suggestions for This Sweet and Savory Chicken
This Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken is rich and incredibly flavorful on its own, so you don’t need sides that fight for attention. The sweet apple and salty Brie need companions that either offer a fresh contrast or lean into that comforting, cozy profile. When I serve this, I focus on simple textures that soak up that leftover pan sauce beautifully.
Recommended Side Dishes
- Roasted Asparagus: A little char on asparagus with just salt, pepper, and maybe a squeeze of lemon cuts through the richness of the Brie perfectly.
- Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes: If you want to double down on the cozy factor, sweet potatoes are a natural partner for the apple in the stuffing.
- Simple Wild Rice Pilaf: Something light and fluffy to absorb that beautiful Dijon-honey pan sauce is always a winner.
- Sautéed Brussels Sprouts: If you like a little bitterness, searing them quickly with bacon fat (if you aren’t worried about vegetarian meals) complements the savory chicken wonderfully.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken
Even though this Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken is usually devoured in one sitting, sometimes we’re lucky enough to have leftovers! Handling them correctly is key to making sure the chicken stays juicy and the filling doesn’t turn into a sad, dry mess the next day. Food safety is important, so we need to cool it down fast and reheat it gently.
Storage Guidelines
Once the chicken has cooled down a bit after dinner, you must store it promptly. Place the leftover chicken pieces in a shallow, airtight container. I find that if I slice the chicken first, it cools faster and reheats more evenly later. Make sure you save any extra pan sauce you might have! It’s best to eat these leftovers within three to four days for the highest quality.
Reheating Methods
The biggest mistake people make reheating stuffed chicken is using the microwave too long. That dries it out fast! For the best results, I recommend using the oven. Place the chicken in a small, oven-safe dish, pour a tablespoon or two of water or extra chicken broth over it, cover it tightly with foil, and warm it at 325°F until it’s just heated through—about 15 minutes. If you have leftover sauce, warm that separately on the stovetop and spoon it over the chicken right before serving to bring back all that moisture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Chicken Breast
I get so many questions about this recipe, and honestly, that just tells me how much you all love simple, flavorful chicken! Here are a few things I hear most often when people are getting ready to make this dinner. Don’t stress if you need to make a small swap; that’s what cooking is all about!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
You certainly can swap in boneless, skinless chicken thighs! Thigh meat is more forgiving and tends to stay juicier, which is great. However, thighs are often less uniform than breasts, so you might need to bake them a little longer—maybe 15 to 18 minutes in the oven after searing. Always rely on that thermometer, though; 165°F is the magic number, no matter the cut.
What if I cannot find walnuts?
No problem at all if walnuts aren’t your favorite or you don’t have them on hand. Pecans are a fantastic substitute; they have a similar buttery texture that blends beautifully with the Brie and apple. Slivered almonds work too, though they offer a bit more crunch. Just make sure whatever nut you choose is chopped up finely so it packs neatly into the pocket!
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
This is the classic stuffed chicken dilemma! The main way to prevent leakage is making sure your pocket opening is small and gently pinching it closed after stuffing. If you are worried, especially if your chicken breast is a little floppy, you can secure the opening with one or two wooden toothpicks pushed crosswise through the opening. Just remember to pull those out before serving! You can find more visual inspiration for recipes like this on Pinterest.
Nutritional Snapshot of Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken
I always try to give a rough idea of what you’re eating, even though exact numbers can vary based on the specific Brie or apple you use. This is just an estimate for one serving of this delicious Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken!
Estimated Nutritional Values Per Serving
Keep in mind these figures are based on the recipe yield of four servings and are approximate:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 510 |
| Total Fat | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Protein | 44 g |
Share Your Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken Experience
I truly hope this recipe makes your weeknights feel a little cozier and a lot more flavorful. When you make this incredible Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken for your family, I want to hear all about it! Drop a comment below and let me know what sides you paired it with. Happy cooking, friends!
Share Your Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken Experience
I truly hope this recipe makes your weeknights feel a little cozier and a lot more flavorful. When you make this incredible Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken for your family, I want to hear all about it! Drop a comment below and let me know what sides you paired it with. Happy cooking, friends!
Print
Amazing 45-Minute Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken
- Total Time: 44 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken with toasted walnuts offers a simple sweet and savory skillet meal. You get juicy chicken with cozy seasonal flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 8 ounces each and 1 inch thick
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup peeled and finely diced apple
- 6 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and chopped
- 0.33 cup chopped walnuts
- 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt (for filling)
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper (for filling)
- 0.75 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper (for sauce)
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 375°F.
- Cut a deep pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Do not cut all the way through.
- In a bowl, mix the apple, Brie, walnuts, salt, and pepper for the filling gently.
- Stuff the filling evenly into each chicken breast. Press gently to close the opening.
- Season the chicken on all sides with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven safe skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken for 5 minutes per side until it looks golden brown.
- Move the skillet to the oven. Cook for 12 minutes, or until the thickest part reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken to a plate. Tent it loosely with foil to rest.
- Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the broth, Dijon mustard, honey, and black pepper. Simmer for 4 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces.
- Spoon the pan sauce over the chicken. Serve warm.
Notes
- Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before you eat it.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 29 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Pan Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: Unknown
- Sodium: Unknown
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: Unknown
- Unsaturated Fat: Unknown
- Trans Fat: Unknown
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: Unknown
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: Unknown