Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken (Printable)
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with herbed goat cheese, baked to golden perfection for an elegant 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 & 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, chopped chives, parsley, minced garlic, lemon zest, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
03 - Using a small sharp knife, carefully cut a deep pocket into the thickest part of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through to the other side.
04 - Generously fill each pocket with the goat cheese mixture. Secure the openings with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling inside during baking.
05 - Rub each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil, then season evenly on all sides with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and paprika if using.
06 - Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear.
07 - Remove the chicken from the oven and discard any toothpicks. Let the breasts rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The goat cheese melts into something almost molten inside the chicken and it feels like a restaurant trick you can pull off on a Tuesday.
- It looks impressive but the entire process is remarkably hands off once it goes into the oven.
02 -
- Do not skip the resting step because the filling will spill out and you will lose all that creamy goodness you worked to tuck inside.
- If your chicken breasts are very thick pound them slightly before stuffing so the pocket is easier to cut and the cooking time stays even.
03 -
- Softening the goat cheese is not optional because trying to stuff cold crumbly cheese into a chicken pocket is an exercise in frustration and messy counter tops.
- Toothpicks are your best friend here and there is no shame in using three or four per breast to keep everything sealed tight.