Prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dinner game! Imagine tender chicken breasts transformed into a decadent masterpiece, where creamy brie meets the luscious sweetness of dark cherries in a French-inspired culinary sensation. This isn't just another chicken recipe - it's a gourmet experience that promises to turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining adventure that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup dark sweet cherries, pitted
- 4 oz brie cheese, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare the chicken breasts by placing them on a clean cutting board. Use a sharp knife to carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast. Make sure not to cut all the way through; you want to create a space to hold the filling.
- In a small bowl, combine the dark sweet cherries and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the cherries and balance the richness of the brie.
- Take the sliced brie cheese and layer it inside the pocket of each chicken breast. Follow this by adding the cherry mixture on top of the brie. Make sure to distribute the filling evenly between the two breasts.
- Once the chicken is filled, use toothpicks to secure the openings of the chicken breasts. This will help keep the filling from spilling out during cooking.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts into the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown.
- After searing, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- Carefully remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts. Serve the Dark Sweet Cherries Brie Stuffed Chicken warm, garnished with additional cherries if desired, and enjoy your delicious French-inspired dish!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to guarantee food safety while maintaining juiciness.
- Cheese Selection: Choose a high-quality, soft brie that melts beautifully and complements the sweet cherries.
- Pocket Cutting Technique: Use a sharp knife and cut slowly when creating the chicken breast pocket to avoid tearing the meat.
- Toothpick Trick: Remove toothpicks before serving to prevent any unexpected bites!
- Resting Period: Never skip the 5-minute resting time after cooking - this allows juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh, pitted dark sweet cherries for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Skillet to Oven: Using an oven-safe skillet allows for perfect searing and even baking in one pan, minimizing cleanup.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 560kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: g
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 190mg
