Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
- 1 large Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apple, cored and thinly sliced
- 4 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into 8-12 thin slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the chicken: Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally through the thickest part of each breast, almost all the way through, creating a deep pocket or 'butterfly' opening. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff the chicken: Lay out the butterflied chicken breasts. On one side of each breast, evenly layer 2-3 slices of apple, followed by 2-3 slices of brie cheese. Fold the other half of the chicken breast over the filling, gently pressing to enclose the ingredients.
- Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, dried thyme, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Brush this mixture generously and evenly over the outside of each stuffed chicken breast.
- Bake: Place the seasoned, stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden crust.
- Serve: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, for a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, consider briefly sautéing the apple slices with a pinch of brown sugar before stuffing. Ensure your Brie is at room temperature for easier slicing and optimal melting. This elegant dish pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus, a crisp green salad, or a side of wild rice. To ensure even cooking, try to select chicken breasts of similar size. Always use an instant-read meat thermometer to verify the chicken’s internal temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Modern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
