Apple & Brie Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Chicken breasts are stuffed with apples, Brie and herbs; topped with a warm cider sauce, carmelized onions and tender cinnamon-apples. This is a deliciously different departure from bland baked chicken.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 4  boneless skinless chicken breast halves, trimmed fat
• 1  large apple, peeled, cored and diced (Fuji, Empire, or Braeburn)
• 2  teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1  tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• 3  tablespoons  dry breadcrumbs
• 1⁄2 cup  dry breadcrumbs
•  kosher salt
•  fresh ground black pepper
• 4  ounces  brie cheese, rind removed and divided into 4 even slices
• 2  tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1  egg
•  olive oil
• 1  cup apple cider or 1  cup  apple juice
• 1⁄4 cup chicken broth
• 4  fresh thyme sprigs
• 2  yellow onions, cut in half lengthwise and sliced thin
• 3  garlic cloves, crushed
• 1  apple, peeled, cored and sliced thin (Fuji, Empire, or Braeburn)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1⁄2 cup white wine
• 2  teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1  dash ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Wash the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board. Lightly press each chicken breast flat with one hand; use a sharp knife to cut a slit horizontally along one edge of the breast, cutting nearly to the opposite side but not all the way through. Open it so it forms two flaps, attached at the center, like a butterfly. Set aside - keep refrigerated.
4. To a small mixing bowl, add the diced apple, lemon juice, lemon zest, sage, 3 tablespoons of bread crumbs, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
5. Stuff each breast with about a quarter of the apple mixture and 1 slice of Brie; close the flap, press it down firmly, and set the chicken aside.
6. Transfer the stuffed chicken breasts to a baking sheet. (There is no need to seal them around the edges.) Sprinkle the breasts with salt and pepper.
7. Combine the remaining bread crumbs, parsley, and salt and pepper to taste in a shallow dish. Lightly beat the egg with a fork in another dish.
8. One at a time, hold the chicken breast together and dip in the beaten egg - coat on both sides. Dredge in the bread crumb mixture, turning it over to coat well. Repeat until done.
9. Next, drizzle 2 teaspoons of olive oil into a large heavy-bottom skillet; set over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts; brown on each side (about 2 - 3 minutes per side).
10. Transfer the chicken breasts to a large casserole dish; add 1/2 cup of the apple cider/juice, the chicken broth, and the thyme sprigs. Place in the oven and bake for 15 - 20 minutes, or until no longer pink inside.
11. While the chicken is baking, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté for about 15 - 20 minutes, stirring often. Cook until they turn deep golden brown. To the onions add the garlic, sliced apples, cinnamon and wine and cook for about 5 more minutes, or until the liquid evaporates. Cover and keep warm.
12. Transfeer the chicken to a warmed serving platter; cover with foil to keep warm.
13. Whisk together the remaining apple cider/juice, the mustard, and the cinnamon; bring to a boil in a small sauce pan on high heat for 3 minutes until the sauce is reduced and slightly thickened.
14. Spoon the carmelized onions and cinnamon apples, followed by the sauce over the chicken. Serve immediately.