Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken is such a cozy and delicious dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors in the best way. Juicy chicken breasts filled with creamy brie cheese and tender apple slices, all topped with a shiny, sticky maple glaze that makes everything taste even better. It’s a perfect mix of soft, melty cheese and sweet fruit wrapped up in a tender bite of chicken.
I love making this recipe when I want something a little special but still easy to pull off on a weeknight. The maple glaze is my favorite part—it gives just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering. Plus, cooking the chicken with the apples and brie inside keeps everything super juicy, so it never feels dry or boring.
My favorite way to enjoy this dish is with a simple side of roasted veggies or a fresh green salad to keep things light and balanced. Whenever I make it, I always get compliments, and sometimes I even catch everyone sneaking extra bites of the maple sauce. It’s a dish that turns an ordinary dinner into something a bit more memorable, and I hope you’ll love it as much as I do!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Choose large boneless, skinless breasts for easy stuffing. If you prefer, thighs work too—they’re juicier but take a bit longer to cook.
Apples: Gala and Fuji apples are sweet and hold their shape well. If you want a tarter option, try Granny Smith. Make sure to dice them small so they fit nicely inside.
Brie cheese: This soft cheese melts wonderfully and adds creaminess. You can swap with Camembert or a mild goat cheese if you want a different flavor.
Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the best taste. Honey is a fine substitute, but it will change the flavor slightly.
Fresh herbs: Rosemary and thyme bring a lovely earthiness. If fresh isn’t available, dried herbs can be used—just reduce the amount by half.
How Do You Make Sure the Chicken Stays Juicy and the Filling Stays in Place?
Creating a pocket and stuffing chicken can be tricky. Here’s how to do it well:
- Use a sharp knife and slice horizontally through the thickest part of the breast, leaving one side attached to form a pocket.
- Don’t overstuff—too much filling can cause the chicken to tear and leak during cooking.
- Secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside while searing and baking.
- Start by searing the chicken in a hot pan to seal in juices and get a nice golden crust.
- Bake gently in the oven to finish cooking without drying out the chicken.
- Allow the chicken to rest after baking. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven-safe skillet – perfect for searing the chicken and then finishing it in the oven without extra dishes.
- Sharp chef’s knife – helps you cut a clean pocket in the chicken breast for stuffing.
- Cutting board – a stable surface for slicing apples and prepping chicken.
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine – keeps the stuffed chicken secure while cooking.
- Meat thermometer – ensures your chicken reaches the safe internal temp of 165°F without overcooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap brie for goat cheese or cream cheese for a tangier or milder cheesy filling.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans inside for a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
- Use pears instead of apples for a softer, sweeter fruit filling.
- Mix in fresh sage or thyme with the apples for an herbal twist that pairs well with the maple glaze.
How to Make Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Filling:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium apple (such as Gala or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
- 4 oz brie cheese, sliced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Maple Glaze and Cooking:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (plus sprigs for garnish)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (plus sprigs for garnish)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Optional: 1/4 cup chicken broth or apple cider for deglazing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 10 minutes to prep, 20 minutes to cook, plus 5 minutes to rest before serving. So, plan about 35 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast by slicing horizontally without cutting all the way through. This will be where you stuff the filling.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In a bowl, mix the diced apple with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, half of the chopped rosemary and thyme, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to blend the flavors.
3. Stuff the Chicken:
Fill each chicken breast pocket first with a layer of brie cheese slices, then add a generous spoonful of the spiced apple mixture on top. Secure the opening with toothpicks if needed to keep everything inside.
4. Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil and butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown color.
5. Make the Maple Glaze:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook briefly (about 30 seconds) until fragrant. Pour in the maple syrup and stir gently to mix with the pan juices. Optionally, add chicken broth or apple cider to loosen the glaze and create a bit of sauce.
6. Bake and Rest:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C). Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before removing toothpicks and serving.
7. Serve:
Spoon some of the sticky maple glaze and cooked apples over the chicken breasts. Garnish with fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs for an extra burst of aroma and flavor.
This cozy dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, sautéed greens, or a crisp salad for a lovely dinner. Enjoy the mix of sweet, savory, and melty goodness on your plate!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts before stuffing and cooking. Thaw them safely in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method to speed things up. Pat dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the brie with a plant-based cheese or omit the cheese altogether and add extra apples and herbs for flavor. Use olive oil instead of butter to keep it dairy-free as well.
Can I Prepare This Meal Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can stuff the chicken breasts and store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. When ready, follow the searing and baking steps as usual.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the glaze saucy.
