Baked Italian Chicken Breast with Brie – Easy, Cheesy & Delicious

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Baked Italian Chicken Breast with Brie

If you’re looking for a delicious, flavorful, and indulgent dish to impress your family or guests, look no further than Baked Italian Chicken Breast with Brie. This recipe beautifully combines tender Italian-seasoned chicken breasts with the creamy richness of Brie cheese, delivering a mouthwatering experience with every bite. The origins of this dish lie in the fusion of Italian-inspired flavors and French cuisine’s Brie cheese, resulting in a unique and satisfying meal. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or just want to elevate your weeknight meals, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces Brie cheese, sliced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, sliced thinly
  • 1 apple, thinly sliced (optional for variation)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Optional: A few strips of bacon for wrapping the chicken breasts

Variations Ingredients

  • Brie and Apple Variation: Substitute tomatoes with thinly sliced apples for a sweet-savory combination.
  • Brie and Bacon Variation: Wrap each chicken breast in bacon before baking for an added layer of flavor and crunch.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This helps lock in the juices and adds a nice texture to the final dish.

Step 3: Add the Brie and Toppings

  1. Place the seared chicken breasts in the greased baking dish.
  2. Top each chicken breast with slices of Brie cheese, followed by tomato slices (or apple slices for a variation).
  3. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top to create a flavorful crust.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

  1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the Brie cheese is melted and bubbly.
  2. Optional: If you’re using bacon, ensure the bacon is crisp by broiling the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

  1. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
  2. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad.

Tips and Variations

Tips for Success

  • Why is my baked Brie rubbery? Brie can become rubbery if overcooked. To avoid this, make sure the chicken is cooked through before adding the Brie cheese in the final baking stage. Brie melts quickly, so adding it later ensures it stays creamy and soft.
  • Does Brie melt when cooked? Yes, Brie melts beautifully when cooked. Its creamy texture pairs perfectly with the seasoned chicken, creating a rich sauce-like consistency over the meat.
  • What do you eat baked Brie with? Baked Brie pairs well with various sides, such as crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or a light salad. You can also serve it with a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

Recipe Variations

  • Baked Italian Chicken Breast with Brie and Apples: For a sweet and savory twist, substitute the tomatoes with thinly sliced apples. The apples add a delightful sweetness that complements the creamy Brie.
  • Baked Italian Chicken Breast with Brie and Tomato: Stick to the classic combination of Brie and tomatoes for a traditional take on this recipe. The acidity of the tomatoes balances the richness of the Brie cheese.
  • Easy Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast: If you want to elevate this dish even further, try cutting a pocket into each chicken breast and stuffing it with Brie before baking. This creates a gooey, cheesy surprise in every bite.
  • Chicken and Brie Pasta: Transform this dish into a pasta meal by shredding the baked chicken breasts and mixing them with cooked pasta, melted Brie, and a light tomato or cream sauce.
  • Chicken Stuffed with Brie Wrapped in Bacon: For a decadent variation, stuff each chicken breast with Brie cheese, wrap it in bacon, and bake until the bacon is crispy. The combination of flavors is irresistible.
  • Crunchy Chicken with Brie and Tomato Sauce: For a crunchy texture, you can bread the chicken breasts before searing and baking them. Serve with a tomato-based sauce to complement the flavors.

Nutritional Information

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 36g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 2g

(Note: Nutritional values may vary slightly depending on ingredients and preparation methods used.)

This Baked Italian Chicken Breast with Brie recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a combination of Italian flavors and creamy cheese. With its rich, savory taste and easy preparation, this dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—you can easily adapt it by adding apples, wrapping the chicken in bacon, or even serving it as a pasta dish.

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