Savory Apple-Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Cider Glaze
Elevate your weeknight dinner with these savory Apple-Stuffed Chicken Breasts, expertly filled with tart, caramelized apples and finished with a rich apple cider glaze. This delightful dish combines the sweetness of apples with the savory flavor of chicken, creating a delicious harmony that tantalizes the taste buds. Perfect for family gatherings or a special occasion, this recipe is easy to prepare yet sophisticated enough to impress your guests. Serve with a side of fresh greens or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal that's sure to become a favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (pounded to 1/8 inch thickness)
sugar
2 tablespoons (mixed with cinnamon)
cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (mixed with sugar)
tart apples
2 (peeled, cored, and sliced thinly)
apple cider
1 cup (to be mixed with cornstarch)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (mixed with apple cider)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of waxed paper or plastic wrap.
2
Using a meat mallet, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/8 inch, ensuring the meat tenderizes and cooks evenly.
3
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
4
Peel and core the apples, then slice them into thin pieces. Toss the apple slices in the sugar and cinnamon mixture until well-coated.
5
Evenly distribute the spiced apple slices on each chicken breast half. Roll the chicken around the apple filling and secure the ends with toothpicks to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
6
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the stuffed chicken on the grill, ensuring they are positioned 4 to 6 inches from the coals.
7
Grill for 20 to 25 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through the cooking time, until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the toothpicks once cooked.
8
While the chicken is grilling, combine the apple cider and cornstarch in a 1-quart saucepan. Whisk until the cornstarch is dissolved.
9
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens and becomes bubbly—approximately 5-7 minutes.
10
Once the sauce has thickened, spoon the apple cider glaze over the grilled chicken breasts just before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this recipe?
The primary protein used is four boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How thin should the chicken breasts be pounded?
The chicken breasts should be pounded to an even thickness of approximately 1/8 inch.
What tool is recommended for tenderizing the chicken?
A meat mallet is recommended to gently pound the chicken for even thickness.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking while pounding it?
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of waxed paper or plastic wrap before pounding.
What type of apples work best for the stuffing?
The recipe calls for two tart apples for the best flavor contrast.
How should the apples be prepared for stuffing?
The apples should be peeled, cored, and sliced into thin pieces.
What spices are used to coat the apples?
The apples are tossed in a mixture of 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon.
How do I keep the apple filling inside the chicken while cooking?
Roll the chicken around the apple filling and secure the ends with toothpicks.
What is the recommended cooking method for this dish?
The chicken is intended to be grilled over medium heat.
How long does it take to grill the stuffed chicken?
The chicken should be grilled for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How far from the coals should the chicken be placed?
Position the chicken 4 to 6 inches from the coals on the grill.
When should the toothpicks be removed?
Remove the toothpicks once the chicken is fully cooked and before serving.
What ingredients are needed for the cider glaze?
The glaze is made from 1 cup of apple cider and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
How do I prepare the cider glaze?
Whisk the cider and cornstarch in a saucepan until dissolved, then heat until thickened and bubbly.
How long does it take for the glaze to thicken?
It takes approximately 5 to 7 minutes of stirring over medium heat for the glaze to thicken.
When is the cider glaze applied to the chicken?
Spoon the glaze over the grilled chicken breasts just before serving.
What are some suggested side dishes for this meal?
Fresh greens or roasted vegetables make excellent sides for a balanced meal.
Is this recipe suitable for a special occasion?
Yes, it is sophisticated enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight family dinner.
What time of year is this recipe particularly popular?
This is often categorized as a fall recipe due to the use of apples and cider.
Is the chicken skinless in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How many tart apples are required?
You will need two tart apples.
What is the role of cornstarch in the recipe?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent for the apple cider glaze.
How much sugar is used in the apple mixture?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of sugar.
How much cinnamon is needed?
1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon is used to spice the apples.
Is this recipe considered easy to cook?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy cooking' recipe.
What is the overall flavor profile of this dish?
It offers a harmony of sweet caramelized apples and savory grilled chicken.
Can I prep the apples in advance?
While not specified, apples can be sliced ahead of time, though they should be tossed in the sugar-cinnamon mix to help preserve them.
How many people does this recipe serve?
The recipe uses 4 chicken breasts, typically serving 4 people.
Is the glaze stirred or left to sit?
The glaze should be stirred continuously while heating to ensure it thickens properly without burning.