INGREDIENTS:
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1 tart apple, cored, coarsely chopped
* 1 teaspoon dried leaf thyme, divided
* 1 teaspoon salt, divided
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
* 3/4 cup apple cider, divided
* 4 ounces Brie cheese, without rind, cut in small chunks
* 4 medium chicken breast halves, bone-in, with skin (2 lbs)
PREPARATION:
Heat oil innonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook until quite tender, about 7 to 8 minutes. Add chopped apple, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and 1/4 cup cider; cook until apples are tender, about 4 to 6 minutes.Remove from heat and let cool slightly, Stir in Brie. Divide stuffing into 4 equal portions.
Heat oven to 400°.
Run fingers under breast skin to separate from meat. Put 1/4 of the stuffing under the skin of each chicken breast; press gently to distribute filling evenly under skin. Season chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place in 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
Bake at 400° until chicken is tender and juices run clear when pierced with a fork, about 35 to 45 minutes. The chicken should read about 180° on an instant-read meat thermometer. Remove chicken to serving dish and keep warm.
Prepare sauce: Skim fat from baking dish and spoon drippings into small saucepan. Heat over medium heat. Add remaining 1/2 cup apple cider; simmer briskly to reduce by half. Stir in remaining 1/2 teaspoon thyme and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Spoon over chicken.
Serves 4.
