Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken (Printable)
Chicken breasts stuffed with herbed goat cheese and baked to golden, juicy perfection.
# 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 & Cooking
09 - 1 tbsp olive oil
10 - 1/2 tsp salt
11 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
12 - 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
# How to Make It:
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 teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and well blended.
03 - Using a small sharp knife, create a deep pocket in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the thickest part, being careful not to cut all the way through the other side.
04 - Carefully spoon the goat cheese mixture into each pocket, dividing it evenly among the four breasts. Secure the openings with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling inside during baking.
05 - Rub the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil, then season generously on all sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and paprika if using.
06 - Arrange the stuffed breasts in the prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced.
07 - Remove from the oven and discard any toothpicks. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The filling melts into something almost spreadable and turns plain chicken into a dinner that feels expensive.
- It looks impressive enough for guests but honest enough for a random weeknight when you are tired.
02 -
- Do not overstuff the pockets or the cheese will burst out during baking and you will cry a little when you see the empty chicken.
- An instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read 74 degrees Celsius for perfectly safe, juicy chicken.
03 -
- Toothpicks are your best friend here because one rogue split can leak all your beautiful filling into the pan.
- Letting the stuffed chicken rest five minutes before slicing keeps the cheese inside where it belongs instead of pooling on the cutting board.