Savory Herb Goat Cheese-Stuffed Chicken with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of chicken breasts generously stuffed with a rich herb-infused goat cheese filling, then enveloped in a luxurious sun-dried tomato-cream sauce. This dish is perfect for special occasions or a delightful weeknight dinner, offering a restaurant-quality experience right at home. The chicken can be prepared in advance, making it an excellent choice for entertaining guests without the last-minute rush. Paired with a side of your favorite vegetables or pasta, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
8 (trimmed and pounded to even thickness)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for brushing chicken)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
freshly ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
goat cheese
8 ounces (softened)
fresh basil
1/2 cup (chopped)
fresh oregano
2 tablespoons (chopped)
fresh thyme
1 tablespoon (chopped)
lemon zest
2 teaspoons (grated)
dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes
1/2 cup (diced after soaking)
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (divided)
sweet onion
1 large (quartered and thinly sliced)
cremini mushrooms
4 cups (sliced)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
dry sherry
1/4 cup (for deglazing)
low sodium chicken broth
1 cup
whipping cream
1 cup
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine softened goat cheese, chopped basil, oregano, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside. (If preparing ahead, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 8 hours.)
2
Prepare the chicken breasts by placing them on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each breast in half horizontally, being cautious not to cut all the way through. Open them like a book, then place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet until they are an even thickness.
3
Take 2 tablespoons of the goat cheese filling and roll it into a log shape. Place the log in the center of the chicken breast, then fold the top and bottom of the chicken over the ends of the log, followed by folding the sides over to completely enclose the filling. Ensure the seam side is down. Repeat this step for all the chicken breasts. (Again, you can cover and refrigerate them for up to 8 hours if preparing ahead.)
4
Brush each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Arrange them on a greased rimmed baking sheet, then roast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear.
5
While the chicken roasts, prepare the sauce: Place the sun-dried tomatoes in a bowl and cover them with boiling water. Allow them to soften for about 10 minutes, then drain and dice finely.
6
In a large skillet, melt half of the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until it becomes very soft and golden brown, approximately 20 minutes. Transfer the onions to a bowl and set aside.
7
Increase the skillet heat to medium-high. Add the remaining butter and sauté the cremini mushrooms and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until softened. Return the caramelized onions to the skillet, stirring to combine.
8
Pour in the dry sherry and cook until it reduces by half, about 3 minutes. Stir in the diced, softened sun-dried tomatoes.
9
Add the low sodium chicken broth and whipping cream to the skillet, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
10
Once the chicken is cooked, slice each breast on an angle into 4 pieces. To serve, spoon the creamy sauce onto plates and arrange the sliced chicken over the sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
Savory Herb Goat Cheese-Stuffed Chicken with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in the herb filling?
The filling consists of goat cheese, fresh basil, fresh oregano, fresh thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
How do I prepare the chicken breasts for stuffing?
Slice the breasts horizontally without cutting all the way through, then pound them between plastic wrap to an even thickness.
Can I make the goat cheese filling in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 8 hours.
How much filling should I use for each chicken breast?
Use approximately 2 tablespoons of the goat cheese filling per chicken breast.
What is the best way to shape the filling inside the chicken?
Roll the filling into a log shape before placing it in the center of the chicken breast.
How do I ensure the filling stays inside the chicken?
Fold the top and bottom over the ends of the log, then fold the sides over to enclose it, and place it seam side down on the pan.
What temperature should the oven be?
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How long does the chicken need to roast?
Roast for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear.
How should I prepare the sun-dried tomatoes?
Soak dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes in boiling water for 10 minutes, then drain and dice them finely.
What kind of onions are used in the sauce?
One large sweet onion, quartered and thinly sliced.
How long do I sauté the onions?
Sauté the onions for approximately 20 minutes until they are very soft and golden brown.
What kind of mushrooms are included in the sauce?
4 cups of sliced cremini mushrooms.
What is used to deglaze the skillet?
1/4 cup of dry sherry is used for deglazing.
How long should the dry sherry reduce?
Cook for about 3 minutes until the liquid reduces by half.
What liquid components create the creamy sauce base?
The base is made from 1 cup of low sodium chicken broth and 1 cup of whipping cream.
How thick should the sauce be?
Simmer the sauce until it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
How should the chicken be sliced for serving?
Slice each roasted chicken breast on an angle into 4 pieces.
Is this recipe suitable for preparing ahead for guests?
Yes, you can stuff the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 8 hours before cooking.
What type of goat cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of softened goat cheese.
What fresh herbs are required?
You will need fresh basil, fresh oregano, and fresh thyme.
What is the purpose of the lemon zest?
It adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the herb and goat cheese filling.
How many garlic cloves are used in the sauce?
4 garlic cloves, minced.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How much olive oil is needed?
2 tablespoons are used for brushing the chicken.
What type of baking sheet should I use?
A greased rimmed baking sheet is recommended.
What should I serve this dish with?
It pairs well with your favorite vegetables or pasta.
Is this a good recipe for comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and provides a restaurant-quality experience.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 17 ingredients in total.