Apple-Cheddar Stuffed Chicken with Apple-Dijon Pan Sauce

 Here’s a delicious and flavorful recipe for Apple-Cheddar Stuffed Chicken with Apple-Dijon Pan Sauce—a savory and slightly sweet dish that combines juicy chicken with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh apples, topped off with a tangy pan sauce.

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Ingredients

For the Apple-Cheddar Stuffed Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works well)

1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for added texture)

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh, if available)

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

For the Apple-Dijon Pan Sauce

1/2 cup apple cider (or apple juice)

2 tbsp Dijon mustard

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup chicken broth

1 tbsp butter

Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast. Be sure not to cut all the way through, just enough to stuff it.

2. Make the Stuffing

In a small bowl, mix together the chopped apple, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs (if using), fresh parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Stuff each chicken breast with the apple-cheddar mixture. You can secure the opening with toothpicks if needed.

3. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

4. Make the Apple-Dijon Pan Sauce

While the chicken is baking, use the same skillet (after removing the chicken) to make the pan sauce.

Add the apple cider (or juice) to the pan and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Stir in the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Let the sauce simmer for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Stir in the butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve

Once the chicken is done, remove the toothpicks (if used) and plate the chicken breasts.

Spoon the apple-Dijon pan sauce over the chicken and serve with your favorite side dishes, like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

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Tips

You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Brie, for a different flavor profile.

To make the dish lighter, you can use a lower-fat cheese or omit the breadcrumbs.

For a more robust flavor, add a splash of white wine to the pan sauce after deglazing with apple cider.

Enjoy your Apple-Cheddar Stuffed Chicken with Apple-Dijon Pan Sauce, a perfect balance of savory and sweet in every bite!