Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken (Printable)
Juicy chicken breasts filled with herbed goat cheese, baked until tender and golden for an effortless weeknight dinner.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Poultry
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
→ Cheese Filling
02 - 4 oz goat cheese, softened
03 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
04 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
05 - 1 clove garlic, minced
06 - Zest of 1 lemon
07 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
08 - Pinch of salt
→ Coating and Seasoning
09 - 1 tbsp olive oil
10 - 1/2 tsp salt
11 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
12 - 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
02 - In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, finely chopped chives, parsley, minced garlic, lemon zest, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and creamy.
03 - Using a sharp knife, cut a deep pocket into the thickest part of each chicken breast, being careful not to slice all the way through.
04 - Generously fill each pocket with the goat cheese mixture. Secure the openings with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling enclosed.
05 - Rub each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil, then season evenly with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and paprika if desired.
06 - Arrange the stuffed breasts in the prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear.
07 - Remove the toothpicks and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The goat cheese melts into something almost molten inside the chicken, and cutting open the breast feels like revealing a secret you cannot wait to share.
- It looks fancy enough for guests but honest enough for a Tuesday, which is the sweet spot I am always chasing.
02 -
- Overstuffing the pockets will cause the cheese to burst out during baking, so resist the urge to pack them full and trust that a moderate amount spreads into every bite.
- Letting the stuffed chicken sit uncovered in the fridge for thirty minutes before baking helps the surface dry slightly, which leads to better color and a more concentrated flavor on the outside.
03 -
- Use a spoon handle or your finger to gently open the pocket wider from the inside after cutting, which gives you more room for filling without risking a tear.
- Check the ingredient labels on your spices and goat cheese if you are cooking for someone highly sensitive to gluten, because cross contamination can hide in unexpected places.