Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet and creamy wrapped inside tender chicken breasts. The juicy apples add a little crispness, and the melty Brie cheese brings a smooth, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the subtle sweetness of the maple glaze.
I love making this dish when I want something a bit special but still simple to prepare. The combination of ingredients feels fancy without needing a lot of effort in the kitchen, and I always enjoy how the maple glaze caramelizes just right during baking. It gives the chicken a lovely shiny finish and a taste that’s a little sweet and a little savory all at once.
My favorite way to serve this is alongside some roasted veggies or a fresh green salad. It’s a great dinner to impress friends or family because it looks as good as it tastes. Plus, it’s fun to slice into the chicken and see the gooey Brie and apple filling waiting inside—every bite feels like a little treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts are perfect here since they’re easy to stuff. If you can find thin-cut or butterfly them yourself, it helps with even cooking. For a twist, turkey breasts work well too.
Apples: I prefer sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji because they soften but keep a bit of bite. Granny Smiths bring more tartness, and softer apples like Golden Delicious cook down more. Use what you have or like!
Brie Cheese: The creamy, mild Brie melts beautifully inside the chicken. If Brie isn’t available, Camembert or a mild cream cheese can work, though the flavor will be less rich.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds natural sweetness and helps glaze the chicken. If you want a less sweet glaze, honey is a nice substitute. For a bolder flavor, mix in a little balsamic vinegar.
Fresh Herbs (Thyme and Rosemary): Thyme’s earthy flavor brightens the filling, while rosemary adds aroma to the glaze and garnish. If fresh herbs aren’t on hand, dried herbs can be used but reduce the quantity since they’re more concentrated.
How Do You Get the Chicken Juicy While Making Sure It’s Cooked Through?
Stuffed chicken can be tricky because the thick breast needs time to cook without drying out. Here’s how to nail it:
- Make a proper pocket: Slice carefully without cutting all the way through to hold the filling inside.
- Sear first: Browning the outside locks in juices and adds flavor.
- Use an oven-safe skillet: This lets you sear on the stovetop, then move straight to the oven without drying the chicken out.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer. The center should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Let it rest: Resting for a few minutes after baking lets juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
Following these tips, you’ll get tender, juicy chicken with a nicely melted Brie and soft apple inside every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven-safe skillet – perfect for searing the chicken on the stove, then finishing it in the oven without extra dishes.
- Sharp knife – makes it easy to cut neat pockets in the chicken breasts for stuffing.
- Cutting board – a stable surface for chopping apples, onions, and herbs safely.
- Mixing bowl – handy to mix the apple, onion, and thyme filling before stuffing.
- Basting brush – lets you spread the maple glaze evenly over the chicken for a beautiful finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Brie for goat cheese for a tangier, creamier filling that pairs well with sweet apples.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the stuffing for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Mix in cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms for a leafy, earthy twist inside the chicken.
- Replace maple syrup with honey or a mix of honey and mustard for a different sweet glaze.
How to Make Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large apple (preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
- 4 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and sliced or cubed
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped (plus sprigs for garnish)
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, 6 minutes to sear the chicken, then around 15-20 minutes of baking time. All together, plan for about 35-40 minutes from start to finish, including resting time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). With a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast without slicing all the way through. This will hold your tasty filling.
2. Make the Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add finely chopped onion and cook until it turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the diced apple and cook for another 3 minutes until slightly softened. Remove from heat and stir in chopped thyme. Let cool slightly.
3. Stuff and Season:
Fill each chicken breast pocket with the apple and onion mixture, then add pieces of Brie cheese. Use toothpicks if needed to keep them closed. Season the outside with salt and pepper.
4. Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and cook until they’re golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side.
5. Glaze and Bake:
Mix maple syrup and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Brush this glaze all over the chicken. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Rest and Serve:
Take the skillet out of the oven, spoon some of the pan juices over the chicken, and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs before serving. Enjoy your delicious maple glazed apple and Brie stuffed chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before preparing. This ensures even cooking and makes it easier to cut the pockets for stuffing.
What Can I Substitute for Brie Cheese?
If you don’t have Brie, Camembert or a mild cream cheese are good alternatives. Goat cheese works too if you like a tangier flavor, though the texture will be creamier and less melty.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the chicken feels dry.
Can I Prepare the Chicken Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can stuff the chicken breasts and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Just bring them to room temperature before searing and baking to ensure even cooking.
