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Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Goat Cheese Recipe

Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Goat Cheese Recipe

4.7 from 12 reviews

A delicious and healthy meal featuring boneless chicken breasts stuffed with a flavorful mixture of goat cheese, fresh spinach, and dried cranberries. Enhanced with a sweet and tangy honey-Dijon glaze, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory and sweetness, ideal for a family dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Stuffed Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 oz (85 g) goat cheese, softened
  • 1½ cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • ⅓ cup dried cranberries
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Glaze (Optional but Recommended)

  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar

For Garnish

  • Fresh thyme or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prepare for baking the chicken.
  2. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, chopped spinach, and dried cranberries until the mixture is well blended and evenly mixed.
  3. Prepare the Chicken: Carefully cut a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast, ensuring not to slice all the way through. Season both the inside and outside of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  4. Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the goat cheese and spinach mixture into each chicken breast pocket. If needed, use toothpicks to securely close the openings and keep the filling inside.
  5. Sear (Optional Step): Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a light golden-brown crust.
  6. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Brush this glaze evenly over the seared chicken breasts.
  7. Bake: Transfer the skillet or place the chicken breasts into the greased baking dish, then bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
  8. Serve: Remove the toothpicks if used; spoon any pan juices over the chicken, garnish with freshly chopped thyme or parsley, and serve warm alongside roasted vegetables or rice.

Notes

  • To ensure even cooking, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before making pockets.
  • To prevent the filling from spilling out, secure chicken breasts with toothpicks after stuffing.
  • The searing step adds extra flavor and color but can be skipped if short on time.
  • Substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries or raisins if preferred.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed chicken, goat cheese chicken, cranberry chicken, spinach stuffed chicken, healthy chicken recipe, baked chicken breasts