Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast Stuffed with Brie & Apple is a showstopping centerpiece that brings together sweet, savory, and creamy flavors in the most delightful way. Imagine juicy chicken breast enveloping melty brie and crisp apple slices, all finished with a glossy maple mustard glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. This dish looks and tastes gourmet, but it’s wonderfully easy to pull together, making it perfect for an impressive weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. Trust me, once you try this combination, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast Stuffed with Brie & Apple is refreshingly short, but each component plays a starring role. Every item here layers on flavor, creates contrast in texture, and adds a pop of color, ensuring you end up with a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the perfect blank canvas to hold all the luscious fillings and glaze.
- Apple: Thinly sliced for a crisp, tart bite that pairs wonderfully with the creamy brie.
- Brie cheese: Sliced and tucked inside for a luxurious, melty center that oozes with every cut.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken, adding richness and helping achieve that gorgeous golden crust.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors and seasoning throughout.
- Dried thyme: Adds an earthy, aromatic note that plays well with both the chicken and apple.
- Maple syrup: Delivers natural sweetness and caramelization in the glaze.
- Dijon mustard: Offers tang and sharpness, balancing the sweetness in the glaze.
- Whole grain mustard: Adds texture and a gentle pop of mustard seeds in the sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar: A splash of acidity to brighten the glaze and cut the richness.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the glaze and ties all the flavors together.
How to Make Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast Stuffed with Brie & Apple
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This step ensures your Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast Stuffed with Brie & Apple won’t stick, and cleanup will be a breeze later.
Step 2: Cut Pockets in the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts on a cutting board and, holding your knife parallel to the board, slice each breast horizontally to create a pocket—be careful not to cut all the way through. This pocket is where all the magic happens, as it holds that dreamy brie and apple filling.
Step 3: Season Inside and Out
Generously season both the inside and outside of each chicken breast with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Don’t skip the inside! This step guarantees every bite of your Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast Stuffed with Brie & Apple is perfectly seasoned.
Step 4: Stuff with Brie and Apple
Tuck a few slices of brie and apple into each chicken pocket. If your chicken breast tries to open up, simply secure the opening with toothpicks. The creamy brie melts into the juicy chicken, while the apples add a little crunch and a hint of sweetness.
Step 5: Whisk the Maple Mustard Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt. This glaze is what transforms your Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast Stuffed with Brie & Apple from great to unforgettable.
Step 6: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 2–3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. This not only locks in the juices but also gives the dish gorgeous color.
Step 7: Brush with Glaze and Bake
Brush the tops of the chicken with your maple mustard glaze, then transfer the skillet to the oven, or move the chicken to your prepared baking dish. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C) and the brie is irresistibly melted.
Step 8: Glaze Again and Serve
Give the chicken one last brush with the remaining glaze right before serving. This final touch makes your Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast Stuffed with Brie & Apple glisten, and adds a fresh burst of flavor.
How to Serve Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast Stuffed with Brie & Apple
Garnishes
Finish your Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast Stuffed with Brie & Apple with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves, a few extra apple slices, or even a handful of toasted walnuts for crunch. These simple additions not only add color and texture but also make the dish feel restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans. For something heartier, try wild rice or creamy mashed potatoes—the glaze mingles deliciously with anything it touches!
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, slice the chicken on a diagonal and fan out the pieces on a platter. Drizzle with extra glaze and scatter fresh herbs or pomegranate seeds for a festive touch. Guests will think you’ve spent hours in the kitchen!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast Stuffed with Brie & Apple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers truly irresistible.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and glazing.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven until heated through. If you have extra glaze, brush it on just before serving to perk up the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of brie?
Absolutely! While brie offers a creamy, luxurious melt, camembert, fontina, or even a mild goat cheese work beautifully in Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast Stuffed with Brie & Apple. Just be sure to choose something that melts well.
What kind of apple works best?
Opt for a firm, tart variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. Their crisp texture and bright flavor cut through the richness of the cheese and complement the maple mustard glaze perfectly.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can stuff and season the chicken breasts a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. When ready to cook, simply sear, glaze, and bake as directed for a fresh, just-made taste.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the chicken is ready when it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. The juices should run clear and the cheese inside will be deliciously gooey.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast Stuffed with Brie & Apple is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for guests with dietary restrictions. Just double-check your mustards to be sure they’re gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast Stuffed with Brie & Apple is pure magic—a dish that’s both comforting and elegant, easy enough for a weeknight, but special enough for any celebration. I can’t wait for you to experience the incredible combination of flavors. Give it a try, and let this recipe become a new favorite at your table!
