Imagine a dish so tantalizing that it transforms an ordinary chicken breast into a gourmet masterpiece. Our Chicken Breasts with Goat Cheese recipe is not just another dinner option—it's a culinary adventure that promises to elevate your home cooking from mundane to magnificent. With just a few simple ingredients and some clever cooking techniques, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better sear and prevents steaming.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers and is just about to smoke.
- Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Top each chicken breast with crumbled goat cheese and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
- Plate the chicken breasts and optionally garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep the meat juicy and prevent drying out.
- Choose high-quality, fresh goat cheese for the most creamy and flavorful result.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are too intense, you can substitute with roasted red peppers for a milder flavor.
- For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before baking.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to minimize dish washing and create a seamless cooking process.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 465kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 170mg
