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Goat cheese stuffed chicken breast served with herbs and vegetables

Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

A delicious and sophisticated meal featuring creamy goat cheese stuffed inside juicy chicken breasts, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy family dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the stuffing
  • 4 ounces goat cheese Offers a creamy, tangy filling; substitute with feta for a different flavor.
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped pepperoncini Adds a burst of zest and heat; you can replace it with jalapeño for extra kick.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped Provides fragrant notes; dried thyme can be used if fresh is unavailable, but use less.
  • to taste salt and ground pepper Essential for enhancing overall flavor; opt for sea salt for more depth.
For the chicken
  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (approximately 2 pounds) Retains moisture and flavor better than boneless cuts; boneless skinless chicken works too but may require less cooking time.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
  2. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. In a small bowl, mash the goat cheese until it is smooth.
  4. Stir in the finely chopped pepperoncini and thyme; season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Using a sharp knife, cut a slit into the thick side of each chicken breast to create a pocket.
  6. Stuff each pocket with about 2 tablespoons of the goat cheese mixture.
  7. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Cooking
  1. Place the chicken skin-side down in the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until golden.
  2. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through, approximately 18 to 20 minutes.
  3. Ensure doneness by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Remove the skillet from the oven, flip the chicken over, and allow it to rest for 3 minutes before serving.
  5. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

Notes

Overloading the stuffing can lead to spillage, so be conservative with how much goat cheese mixture you use. Letting the chicken rest is crucial for juiciness.