Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken (Printable)
Chicken breasts stuffed with herbed goat cheese, baked to golden perfection for an elegant weeknight dinner.
# What You 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)
# How-To:
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, chives, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and creamy.
03 - Using a small sharp knife, make a deep horizontal pocket in each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through the other side.
04 - Carefully spoon the goat cheese mixture into each pocket, filling generously. Secure the openings with toothpicks if needed to hold the filling inside.
05 - Rub the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil, then season evenly with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and paprika if using.
06 - Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
07 - Remove from the oven and take out any toothpicks. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The filling takes five minutes to throw together but tastes like you spent hours.
- It looks impressively elegant but requires zero culinary training.
- Gluten free by default so you can serve it to almost anyone without worry.
02 -
- Overstuffing the pockets will cause the cheese to burst out so be generous but reasonable.
- A meat thermometer reading of 165 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest part is your safest doneness check.
03 -
- Let the goat cheese come to room temperature before mixing or you will fight it the entire time.
- A light dusting of paprika on top before baking gives visual appeal that guests notice before they even taste it.