Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

Many home cooks struggle with finding new and exciting ways to prepare chicken breasts that are both flavorful and impressive. The challenge is to avoid bland, repetitive dishes and to introduce something unique to the dinner table.

Imagine serving the same old chicken recipe that fails to captivate your taste buds or impress your guests. Without a creative twist, even the simplest ingredient can become mundane.

Goat cheese stuffed chicken breasts offer a delightful solution. This recipe elevates your chicken with a creamy, tangy filling and a burst of vibrant flavors, making it a standout dish that’s both easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 oz goat cheese

For the Cranberry Salsa:

• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup minced red onions
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts

1. Create a Pocket:
   • Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully make a pocket in the thickest part of each breast. Try to create a pocket large enough for the stuffing but avoid cutting through to the other side.

2. Prepare the Cranberry Salsa

2. Mix the Salsa Ingredients:
   • In a bowl, combine cranberry sauce, chopped cilantro, minced red onions, orange zest, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Set aside.

3. Stuff the Chicken

3. Fill the Pockets:
   • Take a portion of goat cheese and place it inside the pocket of each chicken breast.
   • Spoon some of the cranberry salsa mixture on top of the goat cheese in each pocket. Ensure the filling is evenly distributed.

4. Grill the Chicken

4. Preheat the Grill:
   • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
5. Grill the Chicken:
   • Place the stuffed chicken breasts skin-side down on the grill.
   • Grill for about 10 minutes. Carefully turn the chicken when the surface is golden brown. Continue grilling until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The meat should remain moist inside.

5. Serve

6. Serve the Chicken:
   • Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
   • Serve the stuffed chicken breasts with the remaining cranberry salsa on the side.

Tips for Success

• Avoid Overstuffing: Ensure you do not overstuff the pockets to prevent the filling from spilling out during grilling.
• Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the recommended internal temperature for safety.
• Grill Gently: Turn the chicken carefully to maintain its shape and avoid losing the stuffing.

Conclusion

This recipe for stuffed chicken breasts with cranberry salsa offers a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. The combination of creamy goat cheese and tangy cranberry salsa creates a delightful taste experience. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special dinner with family.