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Apple Sage Stuffed Chicken Breasts

This Apple Sage Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe is bursting with sweet and savory flavors, perfect for an impressive yet easy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Main Course
Keyword: Chicken, Easy, Fall, Quick, Savory, Stuffed, Sweet
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup diced apples preferably a crisp variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
  • 0.5 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup fresh spinach chopped
  • 0.5 cup goat cheese crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Turkey bacon cooked and chopped (optional for added flavor)

Instructions

Prepare the Filling

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Toss in the diced apples, fresh spinach, and chopped sage. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the apples soften slightly. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl. Let it cool for a few minutes before mixing in the crumbled goat cheese and optional chopped turkey bacon. Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare the Chicken Breasts

  • Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket for the filling. If needed, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps them cook evenly and makes stuffing easier.

Stuff the Chicken

  • Spoon the prepared apple, spinach, and goat cheese filling into each chicken breast pocket. Be generous but don’t overstuff to avoid tearing the chicken. Secure the openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling intact during cooking.

Sear the Chicken Breasts

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed chicken breasts seam side down and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for another 3 minutes. This step locks in juices and adds a beautiful color.

Bake to Perfection

  • Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be juicy, and the filling warm and melty.

Rest and Serve

  • Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist. Serve your Apple Sage Stuffed Chicken Breasts with your favorite sides.

Equipment

  • Sharp Chef’s Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Large Skillet
  • Baking dish or pan
  • Toothpicks or kitchen twine
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin (optional)

Notes

  • Don’t overstuff the chicken breasts to prevent bursting during cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Let the chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Substitute ingredients like cream cheese for goat cheese or kale for spinach to customize flavor and texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.