Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken (Print Page)

Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with herbed goat cheese, baked to golden perfection for an elegant 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)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat 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 smooth and well blended.
03 - Using a 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 - Divide the goat cheese filling evenly among the four chicken breasts, spooning it into each pocket. Secure the openings with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling enclosed.
05 - Rub the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil, then season generously 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 and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
07 - Remove from the oven, discard any toothpicks, and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The filling melts into the chicken as it bakes so every single bite carries that tangy herb streak without needing a sauce.
  • It looks like a dinner party showpiece but honestly comes together with a paring knife and a bowl in about ten minutes of hands on work.
02 -
  • Do not rush the pocket cutting step because a too shallow pocket means the cheese squeezes out and a too deep one means you are stuffing an open face sandwich.
  • Investing in a toothpick or two to secure the opening changed my results entirely after years of watching filling escape onto the pan.
03 -
  • Freeze the goat cheese for ten minutes before stuffing if your kitchen is warm because firmer cheese slides into the pocket cleanly and melts during baking instead of during handling.
  • Let the chicken rest those full five minutes before slicing because that pause is the difference between a beautiful cross section of swirled filling and a sad puddle on the plate.

Return