Imagine cutting into a perfectly golden chicken breast and watching as creamy, herb-infused goats cheese oozes out, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. This Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Goats Cheese recipe is not just another dinner - it's a culinary adventure that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this Italian-inspired dish promises to elevate your cooking game and leave everyone craving more.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 200g goats cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even cooking.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully create a horizontal pocket in each chicken breast by slicing through the thickest side, being careful not to cut all the way through. This creates a butterfly-like cavity for stuffing.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the goats cheese with finely chopped fresh herbs (thyme and rosemary). Mix thoroughly to create a smooth, herb-infused cheese filling.
- Season the inside of each chicken breast pocket with salt and pepper. Generously stuff each pocket with the herbed goats cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Secure the open sides of each stuffed chicken breast with toothpicks to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
- Season the exterior of the chicken breasts with additional salt and pepper. Brush each breast with olive oil to help create a golden, crispy exterior.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish, ensuring they are not touching each other. This allows for even heat circulation.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Remove toothpicks before serving. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh herbs and serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad.
Tips
- Always use a sharp knife when creating the pocket in the chicken breast to ensure clean, precise cuts.
- Make sure the goats cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing with herbs.
- Use toothpicks strategically to seal the chicken and prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
- A meat thermometer is crucial - never rely on guesswork when checking chicken's doneness.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to ensure maximum juiciness and flavor distribution.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a small amount of garlic or lemon zest to the goats cheese mixture.
- If the chicken browns too quickly in the oven, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Choose fresh, high-quality herbs for the most vibrant flavor in your stuffing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 130mg
