This Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken is a wonderful mix of sweet and creamy flavors wrapped up in tender chicken breast. The juicy apple pieces bring a fresh crunch, while the brie melts into a smooth, rich filling. The maple glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness that ties everything together perfectly.
I love making this dish when I want something that feels a little special but is still pretty simple to put together. Stuffing the chicken with apple and brie feels fancy, yet it’s not complicated—and the maple syrup glaze makes the whole thing taste like a treat. It’s one of those recipes where the ingredients do most of the work, and I get to enjoy the compliments.
My favorite way to serve it is with a side of roasted veggies or a simple green salad to keep things light and fresh. This chicken dish always brightens up a weeknight dinner or earns a spot at a cozy weekend meal. Honestly, it’s a flavor combo I keep coming back to whenever I want something that’s a little bit different but completely comforting.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless work best for stuffing and even cooking. If you want, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier option—they have more fat and flavor but may take a bit longer to cook.
Apples: Gala or Honeycrisp are nice because they hold their shape and add sweetness. You can swap them with Fuji or Pink Lady apples. Avoid very soft varieties like McIntosh, as they may turn mushy.
Brie cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and adds creaminess. If brie isn’t available, creamy Camembert or even a mild goat cheese work well.
Maple syrup: It’s the key to the glaze’s sweetness and adds a little depth. Honey or agave syrup can be used as substitutes but expect a slightly different flavor.
How Can I Stuff Chicken Without Making a Mess?
Cutting a pocket in the chicken breast is easier than it sounds but needs some care:
- Place the chicken on a cutting board and hold it steady.
- Use a sharp knife and gently slice horizontally into the thickest part, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through.
- Fill the pocket carefully with brie and apples; too much filling may cause leaking during cooking.
- Secure the opening with toothpicks so the stuffing stays inside as it cooks.
This approach keeps the filling nicely enclosed and helps the chicken cook evenly. Take your time and go slow with the knife.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Ovenproof skillet – perfect for searing chicken on the stove and finishing it in the oven without extra dishes.
- Sharp chef’s knife – essential for making a clean pocket in the chicken breasts for stuffing.
- Cutting board – gives you a safe, stable surface to prep your chicken and apples.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – handy for sautéing onions and apples without scratching your pan.
- Meat thermometer – helps check when chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F for juicy results.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap brie for goat cheese for a tangier, slightly sharper filling that pairs well with the sweet apples.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans inside the stuffing or on top for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Include fresh sage or rosemary in the stuffing to add earthy, herbal notes that complement the maple glaze.
- Use pears instead of apples for a softer, more delicate sweetness that melts nicely with the cheese.
Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Filling:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large apple (Gala or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 4 oz brie cheese, sliced
For Cooking and Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, including prepping the chicken and stuffing it with apple and brie. The searing and sautéing steps take another 15 minutes, and baking the chicken in the oven requires about 15-20 minutes. Overall, expect around 45-50 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Stuff the Chicken:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the center, being careful not to cut all the way through. Fill each pocket with slices of brie and diced apple. If needed, secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the filling inside.
2. Sear the Chicken and Cook the Glaze:
Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Season the stuffed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and smoked paprika. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown, then remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add butter and chopped onions. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. Add the remaining diced apple and sauté gently for about 3 minutes more.
3. Add Maple Glaze and Bake:
Pour maple syrup into the skillet with the apples and onions, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes to thicken slightly. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the glaze and apple mixture over the top.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove toothpicks, garnish with fresh thyme, and serve topped with extra maple glaze from the pan.
Enjoy this delicious balance of savory chicken, creamy brie, sweet apples, and rich maple glaze!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight before preparing. This helps ensure even cooking and safe internal temperatures.
What Can I Substitute for Brie Cheese?
If you don’t have brie, creamy cheeses like Camembert or mild goat cheese work well. They melt nicely and complement the sweet apples and maple glaze.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can stuff the chicken breasts a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Just bring them to room temperature before cooking for more even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to avoid drying out the chicken.
