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Did you know that most of home cooks avoid stuffed chicken recipes because they believe they’re too complicated? This misconception has kept countless food enthusiasts from experiencing one of the most rewarding and impressive dinner creations possible. The truth is, creating a restaurant-quality Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken requires just basic knife skills and a little patience. This elegant dish combines the sweet-tart crunch of fresh apples, the creamy richness of brie cheese, and a glossy maple glaze that caramelizes beautifully during cooking, creating a symphony of flavors that will transform your weeknight dinner into a special occasion.

Ingredients List

For this magnificent Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken, you’ll need ingredients that create layers of complementary flavors:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each) – or substitute with chicken thighs for richer flavor
• 1 large Honeycrisp apple, diced (Granny Smith works as a tarter alternative)
• 4 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cubed – substitute with camembert or cream cheese if preferred
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika

For the Maple Glaze:

• ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Timing

This Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken requires approximately 75 minutes total, which is nearly some of faster than traditional stuffed chicken recipes. Here’s your time breakdown: 20 minutes for prep work including butterflying and stuffing the chicken, 5 minutes for searing, and 50 minutes for oven cooking and glaze preparation. This efficient timeline allows you to prepare side dishes while the chicken bakes, making it perfect for entertaining or family dinners.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken Foundation

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally about ¾ of the way through, then opening like a book. Place between plastic wrap and gently pound to ¼-inch thickness for even cooking and easier rolling.

Step 2: Create the Apple-Brie Filling

In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, cubed brie, and fresh thyme. This mixture provides the perfect balance of textures – the apples maintain slight firmness while the brie melts into creamy pockets throughout the chicken.

Step 3: Stuff and Secure Your Chicken

Divide the apple-brie mixture evenly among the four chicken breasts, placing filling on one side of each butterflied breast. Roll tightly and secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks. Season the outside with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Step 4: Achieve the Perfect Sear

Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each stuffed breast for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This crucial step locks in juices and creates an appealing color contrast with the glaze.

Step 5: Begin the Baking Process

Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The stuffing should be bubbling and the chicken firm to the touch.

Step 6: Craft the Signature Maple Glaze

While chicken bakes, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon in a small saucepan. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until reduced by half, then whisk in butter for glossy finish.

Step 7: Final Glazing and Rest

Brush the cooked chicken with half the maple glaze and return to oven for 5 minutes. Remove and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing, allowing juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken contains approximately 420 calories, with 32g of high-quality protein, 18g of fat, and 28g of carbohydrates. The dish provides nearly some of your daily vitamin C needs from the apples, plus calcium and phosphorus from the brie cheese. The maple syrup contributes beneficial minerals including manganese and zinc, while maintaining a glycemic index a significant portion of lower than refined sugar alternatives.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform this Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken into a lighter version by substituting reduced-fat brie or goat cheese, which cuts a significant portion of the saturated fat while maintaining creamy texture. Replace half the maple syrup with sugar-free maple syrup or add extra apple cider vinegar for tang. For a lower-sodium option, use fresh herbs instead of garlic powder and reduce salt by half, letting the natural apple and cheese flavors shine through.

Serving Suggestions

Present your Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken alongside roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon bits, wild rice pilaf, or creamy mashed sweet potatoes that complement the maple notes. Create an elegant presentation by fanning sliced chicken over arugula salad dressed with apple cider vinaigrette. For entertaining, serve with crusty sourdough bread and roasted root vegetables drizzled with the remaining maple glaze.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most frequent error when preparing Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken is overstuffing, which leads to filling spillage during cooking. Use only 2-3 tablespoons of filling per breast. Avoid skipping the resting period – cutting immediately causes juice loss and compromises texture. Don’t overcook the glaze; it should coat a spoon but remain pourable. Finally, ensure your meat thermometer reads exactly 165°F to prevent dry, overcooked chicken.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store leftover Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in airtight containers. For best results, slice just before serving and store whole pieces when possible. Reheat gently in a 325°F oven for 15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. The filling flavors actually intensify overnight, making leftovers exceptionally delicious. Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months, though the apple texture may soften slightly upon thawing.

FAQs

Q: Can I prepare this Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes! Stuff and secure the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator. Add 5-10 minutes to cooking time if starting from cold.

Q: What if my brie is too soft to cube?
A: Chill the brie in the freezer for 15 minutes before cutting, or use a cheese wire for clean cuts.

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?
A: While possible, boneless breasts are recommended for easier butterflying and more even cooking. If using bone-in, increase cooking time by 15-20 minutes.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is properly cooked?
A: Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken (not the stuffing) to ensure it reaches 165°F. The juices should run clear when pierced.