A Sophisticated Twist on Stuffed Chicken
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s elegant yet easy to make, Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Breasts are the perfect solution. This dish marries sweet, savory, creamy, and herbaceous flavors into one stunning entrée — ideal for date nights, dinner parties, holidays, or even a cozy fall evening at home.
Tender chicken breasts are filled with mild, melty brie cheese, crisp sautéed apples, and a hint of fresh thyme, then seared to golden perfection and baked until juicy. Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fall-inspired salad for a complete gourmet experience.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
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🍏 Elegant but approachable — looks restaurant-worthy, but easy enough for weeknights
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🧀 Brie adds creamy indulgence without overpowering
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🐔 Lean protein + fresh ingredients
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🍂 Perfect for fall & winter dinners
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🧑🍳 Customizable with nuts, herbs, or prosciutto
Key Ingredients
Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for stuffing. Choose medium to large-sized ones to allow room for filling.
Apples
Crisp and slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith balance the richness of the brie.
Brie Cheese
Brie’s creamy texture and subtle flavor melt beautifully and complement apples. You can remove the rind if you prefer a smoother bite.
Fresh Thyme or Rosemary
Adds earthiness and an aromatic herbal note. Dried herbs work in a pinch.
Olive Oil + Butter
For searing and flavor enhancement.
Dijon Mustard (Optional)
Adds a tangy layer to the filling or pan sauce for balance.
Ingredients List (Serves 4)
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
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4 oz brie cheese, sliced or cubed
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1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
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Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp butter
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Toothpicks or kitchen twine (to secure the breasts)
Optional Pan Sauce:
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tsp apple cider vinegar
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1 tsp flour or cornstarch (to thicken)
Equipment You’ll Need
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Sharp knife & cutting board
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Skillet (oven-safe if possible)
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Toothpicks or twine
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Meat thermometer
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Baking dish (if not using oven-safe skillet)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep and Slice Chicken
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Pat chicken dry and place flat on a cutting board.
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Using a sharp knife, slice a pocket horizontally into the thickest part of the chicken — don’t slice all the way through.
🧂 Season the inside and outside of the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
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Thinly slice the apple and brie.
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Insert a few slices of apple and brie into each chicken pocket.
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Secure with toothpicks or wrap with twine to keep filling in place during cooking.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
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Sear stuffed chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
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Transfer the skillet to the oven or move chicken to a baking dish.
Step 4: Bake to Finish
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Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
🧈 Optional: While baking, melt butter in the same skillet and add broth, mustard, and vinegar. Simmer to reduce for a creamy pan sauce.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
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Remove chicken from oven and rest for 5 minutes.
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Remove toothpicks or twine.
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Slice and serve with pan sauce and your favorite sides.
Flavor Profile
This dish is:
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Creamy from brie
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Sweet & tangy from apple
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Savory from juicy chicken
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Herbaceous with thyme
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Elegant enough for any dinner table
Perfect Sides to Serve
Vegetables:
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Roasted green beans or asparagus
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Garlic mashed potatoes
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Butternut squash or sweet potato purée
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Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze
Grains:
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Wild rice pilaf
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Creamy polenta
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Quinoa with cranberries & pecans
Salads:
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Arugula salad with apple cider vinaigrette
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Spinach & walnut salad with goat cheese
Tips for Success
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✅ Use thick chicken breasts to allow stuffing
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✅ Don’t overstuff — a little goes a long way
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✅ Secure well with toothpicks to prevent leaks
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✅ Don’t skip the sear — it locks in juices
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✅ Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking
Recipe Variations
1.
Add Prosciutto
Wrap the chicken in prosciutto before baking for added salt and crisp texture.
2.
Add Nuts
Insert chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for crunch and nutty flavor.
3.
Make it Creamier
Add a spoonful of cream cheese inside with the brie for extra richness.
4.
Cider Sauce
Make a pan sauce using apple cider, broth, Dijon, and butter for extra apple flavor.
5.
Grill It
Use indirect heat on the grill after searing to add a smoky edge.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Can You Make it Ahead?
Yes. Prepare and stuff the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, covered. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking.
Leftovers?
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Store in the fridge for 3–4 days.
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Slice and use in sandwiches or salads.
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Reheat in oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes.
❄️ Freezing not recommended due to texture changes in brie and apples.
Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~420
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Protein: 40g
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Carbs: 5g
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Fat: 25g
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Fiber: 1g
Keto-friendly, high-protein, and gluten-free (check toothpicks for fun… kidding).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, but boneless thighs are harder to stuff. Instead, layer the apple and brie inside a roll and secure with toothpicks.
Can I prep this ahead for a dinner party?
Absolutely. Stuff the chicken and refrigerate in a baking dish. Just sear and bake before serving.
Can I use pears instead of apples?
Yes! Pears pair beautifully with brie and give a slightly sweeter flavor.
Can I remove the brie rind?
That’s a personal choice. The rind is edible, but you can remove it for a smoother melt.
Recipe Card
🧑🍳 Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4
Cuisine: American / French-Inspired
Category: Dinner / Main Course
Ingredients:
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4 boneless chicken breasts
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1 apple, thinly sliced
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4 oz brie, sliced or cubed
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1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
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Salt & pepper to taste
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp butter
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Toothpicks or twine
Optional Sauce
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½ cup chicken broth
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tsp apple cider vinegar
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1 tsp cornstarch or flour
Instructions:
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Prep Chicken: Slice pockets in each chicken breast. Season inside and out.
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Fill with apple and brie. Secure with toothpicks.
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Sear in olive oil 3–4 mins per side until golden.
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Bake at 375°F for 15–20 mins until internal temp reaches 165°F.
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Rest, remove toothpicks, slice, and serve.
Optional: Make pan sauce while chicken bakes by deglazing skillet with broth, mustard, and vinegar. Thicken and drizzle over chicken.
Final Thoughts: Elegant, Easy, and Unforgettable
This Elegant Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken delivers the perfect balance of sophistication and comfort. It’s the kind of dish that feels like it took hours, but really comes together in under an hour — making it ideal for everything from romantic dinners to family gatherings or holiday meals.
Once you make it, it’s bound to become a new seasonal favorite.
PrintApple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast
Description
Tender chicken breasts stuffed with sweet apples and creamy brie, pan-seared to golden perfection and finished in the oven for a gourmet weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced
- 4 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife, cut a deep pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- In a small bowl, mix together the diced apple, brie cubes, and thyme. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the apple and brie mixture, then secure the opening with toothpicks. Season the outside of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, then transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
- Remove toothpicks, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve drizzled with pan juices.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste.
I’m Shaykee—born in Morocco, seasoned across continents. From airplane galleys to home kitchens, I share the flavors and stories that shaped my journey.