Apple Cheddar Stuffed Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 large apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese - ½ cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons fresh thyme - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Seasoning: salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder To make Apple Cheddar Stuffed Chicken, you need fresh ingredients. Start with chicken breasts. Choose four boneless and skinless pieces. They should be thick enough to hold the filling. Next, pick a large apple. I love Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their crispness and flavor. Cheddar cheese adds richness. Use one cup of sharp cheddar. It melts beautifully and tastes great with apples. Breadcrumbs give texture. Half a cup works well. Fresh thyme adds an herbal note. Use two tablespoons, chopped finely. You’ll also need olive oil. One tablespoon will help with cooking. Finally, gather your seasonings. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder will enhance the flavors. Make sure you have everything ready before you start cooking. This makes the process easier and more fun! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). - Core and dice the apple into small chunks. Start by heating your oven. This step is key for cooking the chicken evenly. Dicing the apple next makes it easy to mix into the filling. Use a firm apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These apples add a nice crunch and flavor. - Combine diced apple, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a bowl, mix the diced apple with shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Add the breadcrumbs for texture. Next, toss in the fresh thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. This filling has a great balance of sweet and savory. - Slice pockets into chicken breasts. - Season and fill with apple-cheddar mixture. Take your chicken breasts and use a sharp knife to slice pockets into them. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Next, stuff each pocket generously with the apple-cheddar mixture. If needed, use toothpicks to hold them closed. - Heat olive oil in skillet. - Sear stuffed chicken for golden brown color. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes. Look for a beautiful golden-brown color, which adds flavor and texture. - Transfer to baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes. - Check internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). After searing, place the chicken in a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. - Resting time before slicing. - Presentation suggestions. Once cooked, take the chicken out and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the meat juicy. For serving, slice the chicken and place it on a platter. Add sprigs of fresh thyme and some apple slices for a pop of color. Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. To get great stuffing, mix your ingredients well. This helps the flavors blend. You want every bite to taste the same. When making pockets in the chicken, cut carefully. Do not cut all the way through. Use toothpicks to secure the openings. This keeps the yummy filling inside while cooking. The right skillet temperature is key. Heat your skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. This helps the chicken brown nicely. Each side needs about 3-4 minutes. Look for a golden color. This adds great flavor and texture to your dish. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This step is important. It helps the juices spread throughout the meat. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken. The ideal temperature is 165°F (74°C). This ensures your chicken is safe and juicy. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apple: Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a perfect balance of flavor against the sharp cheddar. Secure Your Filling: If the filling spills out while cooking, use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the pocket and keep all the deliciousness inside. Resting Time is Key: Allow the chicken to rest after baking; this helps retain moisture and enhances the overall juiciness of the meat. Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to swap the cheddar for other cheeses like gouda or fontina for a different flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can change the apple type for a new taste. Try using tart apples like Granny Smith. They add a bright flavor. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and juicy. They work well for a milder taste. Mixing sweet and tart apples creates a balanced flavor. Sharp cheddar is tasty, but you can switch it up! Try creamy goat cheese for a tangy twist. Mozzarella gives a mild flavor and great melt. Pepper jack adds a spicy kick. Choose cheese that pairs well with your apple choice. You can make your dish even better! Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. Dried cranberries give a sweet touch and color. Fresh herbs like basil or rosemary enhance the flavor too. A dash of cinnamon can warm up the dish. These extras add fun and flavor! To keep your Apple Cheddar Stuffed Chicken fresh, store it in the fridge. - Place leftover chicken in an airtight container. - It stays good for 3 to 4 days. When you want to reheat, do it right: - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Place the chicken on a baking sheet. - Heat for 15 to 20 minutes until warm. This method keeps the chicken juicy and tasty. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. - Wrap each stuffed chicken breast in plastic wrap. - Then, place them in a freezer bag. - They will stay good for up to 3 months. When you're ready to cook, thaw it safely: - Move the chicken to the fridge for 24 hours. - You can also use the microwave to thaw it quickly. Cook from frozen if you're in a rush: - Add extra time to baking. - Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 to 35 minutes. This keeps the flavors intact and makes meal prep easy! You can use many herbs to change the flavor. Here are some great options: - Rosemary - Sage - Oregano - Parsley These herbs can add a unique taste. Rosemary adds a woodsy flavor. Sage brings a warm, earthy taste. Oregano gives a nice Mediterranean touch. Parsley can add freshness and color. Feel free to mix and match! Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Here are some tips: - Stuff the chicken breasts a few hours before cooking. - Keep them covered in the fridge. - You can also sear the chicken ahead of time. If you sear them first, bake them later. Just remember to adjust cooking time. This chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty ideas: - Fresh green salad - Steamed vegetables - Mashed potatoes - Rice pilaf A fresh salad adds crunch. Steamed veggies offer color and nutrition. Mashed potatoes or rice make a filling side. Enjoy your meal with a balance of flavors! This post guides you through making Apple Cheddar Stuffed Chicken. You learned the key ingredients, detailed steps, and helpful tips. Remember to preheat your oven and check the chicken's internal temperature. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and apples. Enjoying this dish is easy with the right techniques for baking and serving. Your cooking can shine with these simple steps. Now, get ready to delight your taste buds with this tasty recipe!$

Apple Cheddar Stuffed Chicken

Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a delicious mixture of apple and sharp cheddar cheese, baked to perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 large apple (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and diced into small chunks
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
0.5 cup breadcrumbs, preferably seasoned
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
to taste salt and pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced apple, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped fresh thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast, taking care not to cut through completely. Once prepared, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a light drizzle of olive oil for added moisture and flavor.
Generously fill each chicken breast with the apple and cheddar mixture. If needed, secure the opening with toothpicks to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, gently place the stuffed chicken breasts into the skillet. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes, until they are beautifully golden brown.
After searing, transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear (an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C is ideal).
Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. This will help the juices redistribute and keep the meat moist. Slice and serve with pride!

Notes

Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts on a large serving platter, garnished with sprigs of fresh thyme and additional apple slices for a vibrant touch. For a complete meal, consider pairing with a fresh green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables. Enjoy!

Keyword apple, cheddar, chicken, dinner, stuffed chicken