Gala Apple and Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with sweet Gala apples and sharp cheddar, baked until golden with a hint of thyme. This american-inspired game day ready in about 45 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, Gala apples, sharp cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Pat chicken breasts dry, then season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Cut horizontal pockets into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut through the bottom.
  3. Step 3: Divide diced Gala apples and shredded cheddar equally among the pockets, filling each to 3/4 capacity.
  4. Step 4: Secure openings with toothpicks, then dredge each breast in flour, shaking off excess.
  5. Step 5: Heat olive oil in oven-safe skillet over medium-high until shimmering, then sear breasts 2 minutes per side until golden.
  6. Step 6: Transfer skillet to oven and bake 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  7. Step 7: Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Gala Apple and Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Gala Apple and Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep gala apples from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Gala Apple and Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Gala Apple and Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Gala Apple and Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast?

American game day like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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