Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 medium chicken breasts (about 16 ounces, boneless & skinless)
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
Filling
- 1 large apple (or 2 medium), cored and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 6 ounces brie cheese, sliced
- Fresh thyme, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken breasts.
- Prepare Chicken Breasts: Carefully cut each chicken breast lengthwise, creating a pocket without slicing all the way through to hold the stuffing.
- Season Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with kosher salt and pepper, then evenly coat with onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, and olive oil for infused flavor and moisture.
- Sear Chicken: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear each side for about 3 minutes to develop a golden crust, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Apple Slices: Core and thinly slice the apple(s). Toss the slices with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning and maintain a fresh appearance.
- Stuff Chicken: Stuff the seared chicken breasts with the lemon-coated apple slices and sliced brie cheese. Secure the openings with toothpicks if needed to hold the filling inside.
- Bake Chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts back into the oven-safe skillet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the toothpicks, garnish the chicken with fresh thyme, and serve warm for a delicious and elegant meal.
Notes
- Make sure not to cut the chicken breast all the way through to keep the stuffing inside while cooking.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check chicken doneness to avoid overcooking.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken in a regular pan and transfer to a baking dish for baking.
- The lemon juice on the apple slices helps keep them fresh and prevents discoloration during preparation and cooking.
- Brie can be substituted with other creamy cheeses like camembert or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American