Description
Hasselback Chicken with Gouda and Apples is a flavorful and elegant baked chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts sliced accordion-style and stuffed with sweet apple slices and creamy gouda cheese. Topped with a crispy, herb-infused panko breadcrumb crust, this recipe combines savory, sweet, and crunchy textures, perfect for a sophisticated weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Filling
- 4 chicken breasts
- 8 ounces gouda cheese, sliced
- 1 large apple or 2 small apples (Gala, Red Delicious, or Pink Lady), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons honey mustard (divided)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (approximately 1/2 tsp)
Breadcrumb Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper (combined)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare Chicken Slits: Place the chicken breasts on a sheet pan and carefully make slits about an inch apart, cutting approximately three-quarters of the way through each breast without cutting all the way through.
- Season and Spread Mustard: Spread about half a tablespoon of honey mustard on each chicken breast, then season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stuff with Apple and Cheese: Insert a thin slice of apple and a slice of gouda cheese into each slit, evenly distributing the filling among the chicken breasts.
- Mix Breadcrumbs: In a bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried sage to create a flavorful topping.
- Toast Breadcrumbs: Melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat, then add the breadcrumb mixture and toast for 30 seconds to 1 minute until golden brown, stirring to prevent burning.
- Top Chicken: Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumb mixture evenly over the stuffed chicken breasts, including between the apple and cheese slices.
- Bake Chicken: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
Notes
- For even cooking, try to choose chicken breasts of similar size and thickness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness to avoid under or overcooking.
- Thinly slicing the apples ensures they cook quickly and meld well with the cheese.
- You can substitute gouda with other semi-soft cheeses like havarti or fontina.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning of the breadcrumb mix according to your taste preference.
- Serving suggestions: pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
