Savory Sun-dried Tomato Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts: An Effortless Gourmet Dinner
Elevate your weeknight meals from ordinary to extraordinary with these incredible Sun-dried Tomato Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts. This recipe transforms simple chicken dinners into a rich, flavorful, and truly satisfying experience. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts, expertly filled with a creamy, tangy goat cheese mixture infused with the concentrated sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, then baked until golden and succulent. A final drizzle of bright lemon-butter sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs complete this show-stopping dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
These Stuffed Chicken Breasts are truly bursting with savory, robust flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. My inspiration for this delightful creation came from a memorable dish called Chicken Bryan that I once enjoyed at Carrabba’s. The moment I tasted that exquisite combination, I knew I had to go home and recreate that magic, focusing on the vibrant pairing of sun-dried tomatoes and the distinct tang of goat cheese. It was, without a doubt, a match made in culinary heaven.
When you take that exquisite stuffing and carefully tuck it into a perfectly tender chicken breast, you create a meal that feels both gourmet and incredibly accessible for any night of the week. This recipe is destined to become a staple in your home, one you’ll want to make repeatedly. It’s equally impressive for a special dinner party, a satisfying weeknight meal, or even for efficient meal-prepping. If you’re a fan of flavorful chicken dishes, you might also enjoy my recipes for Chicken Souvlaki or the vibrant Greek Lemon Chicken.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Chicken doesn’t have to be bland or boring. It’s an incredibly versatile canvas, eager to absorb rich, delicious flavors, and this recipe proves it. Here’s why these Sun-dried Tomato Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a must-try:
- Gourmet Appeal, Easy Execution: While it looks and tastes like something from a fancy restaurant, this dish is surprisingly straightforward to prepare, making it perfect for busy individuals who still crave exceptional food.
- Explosion of Flavors: The creamy, savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes from the sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese create a harmonious blend that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Lean protein from the chicken, rich in vitamins and minerals, combined with the goodness of tomatoes and fresh herbs, makes this a nutritious choice you can feel good about.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the stuffing or side dishes to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is universally loved by both adults and children, guaranteeing clean plates and happy faces at your dinner table.
Beyond this delightful stuffed chicken, I also highly recommend exploring other globally inspired chicken recipes like these savory Moroccan Chicken Thighs and the aromatic Tandoori Grilled Chicken for more culinary adventures.
Essential Ingredients for These Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Gathering high-quality ingredients is the first step to creating a truly memorable dish. Here’s a closer look at the key components and why they work so well together in this delicious recipe:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are the stars of our dish, providing a lean protein base that cooks relatively quickly and perfectly showcases the rich stuffing. Their neutral flavor allows the sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese to shine. While breasts are ideal for stuffing, you can absolutely swap them out for chicken thighs or even tenderloins. Just remember to adjust your cooking time accordingly, as thighs may require slightly longer and tenderloins less.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: These concentrated flavor bombs are a game-changer! Packed with intense, sweet, and savory notes, they add a depth of umami that complements the creamy goat cheese beautifully. For best results, use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, as the oil itself is also full of flavor and can be used in the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for this recipe, offering an aromatic foundation that enhances all the other flavors. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can be a convenient substitute, but fresh garlic truly makes a difference.
- Goat Cheese: The hero of our stuffing! Creamy, tangy, and slightly earthy, goat cheese provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes. It melts wonderfully, creating a luxurious, gooey center in each chicken breast.
- Dried Oregano: This classic Mediterranean herb lends a subtle earthiness and warmth to the stuffing, tying all the flavors together.
- Fresh Basil, Fresh Thyme, and Fresh Parsley: While dried herbs are used in the stuffing, a generous garnish of fresh herbs takes this recipe to a new level. Fresh basil adds a sweet, peppery note, thyme offers a delicate, woodsy aroma, and parsley brings a bright, clean finish. Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs for garnishing; their vibrant color and potent flavor are unmatched.
- Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest: Fresh lemon is crucial for balancing the richness of the butter and cheese. The juice adds a bright acidity to the sauce, while the zest provides an aromatic lift, cutting through the savory notes with a refreshing, sweet tang.
- Butter: Used to create a simple yet incredibly rich and nutty browned butter sauce that moistens the chicken and adds another layer of decadent flavor.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil can be used alongside butter in the sauce, or even substitute some of the sun-dried tomato oil for an extra flavor boost.
How to Master Sun-dried Tomato Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Creating this flavorful dish is simpler than you might think. Follow these detailed steps for perfect results every time:
First, begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is at the optimal temperature when your chicken is ready to go in.
Step 1. Prepare the Goat Cheese Mixture: In a small mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled goat cheese, minced fresh garlic, dried oregano, chopped fresh basil, and the bright zest from half a lemon. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined into a thick, cohesive filling. Set this flavorful mixture aside for a moment.
Step 2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts for Stuffing: Lay your boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a clean cutting board. It’s best to place the thickest part of each breast facing up. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a deep slit lengthwise into the side of each chicken breast, creating a pocket. The goal is to cut almost all the way through, but be careful not to slice completely to the other side, as you want to keep the pocket intact to hold the stuffing. This technique is often referred to as butterflying partially. Once all pockets are formed, lightly season both sides of the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 3. Stuff the Chicken Breasts: Carefully spoon the goat cheese and sun-dried tomato filling into the pocket of each chicken breast, distributing the mixture as evenly as possible among all four pieces. Gently press the chicken closed around the filling. If you find the stuffing is overflowing or struggling to stay inside, you can secure the opening with one or two wooden toothpicks. Transfer the stuffed chicken breasts to a non-stick oven-safe large skillet (a cast iron skillet works beautifully for an even sear and bake) or a standard baking dish.
Step 4. Bake the Stuffed Chicken: Place the skillet or baking dish with the chicken into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) when measured with a reliable meat thermometer. It’s crucial to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the stuffing, to get an accurate reading. Keep in mind that thicker chicken breasts will naturally require a longer baking time. While the chicken bakes, proceed to prepare your delectable butter sauce.
Step 5. Craft the Lemon Butter Sauce: While your chicken is in the oven, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt and gently brown. This process, known as “beurre noisette,” takes about 5-8 minutes and adds a wonderful nutty depth to the sauce. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Once beautifully browned, remove from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. For an extra layer of flavor, consider using some of the oil from your jar of sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh olive oil.
Step 6. Serve with Fresh Garnishes: Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, carefully remove it from the oven. Drizzle the warm, aromatic lemon butter sauce generously over each stuffed chicken breast. For a final flourish and burst of freshness, garnish with additional crumbled goat cheese, a sprinkle of fresh thyme, parsley, and more chopped fresh basil. This dish is truly divine when served alongside a crisp Lemon Arugula Salad, some steamed fresh asparagus, and a side of crusty bread to soak up all that wonderful sauce. Your family and guests will be asking for seconds!
Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Here are some common questions to help you perfect your stuffed chicken:
For food safety, all chicken, including stuffed chicken breasts, should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). When checking the temperature with a meat thermometer, be sure to insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, taking care to avoid hitting the sun-dried tomato and goat cheese stuffing itself, as the cheese will be hotter and give a false reading for the chicken.
To prepare your chicken breasts for stuffing, lay each piece on a cutting board with its thickest portion facing upwards. Using a very sharp knife, carefully make a deep, horizontal slit through the center of the chicken breast, from one side almost to the other, creating a pocket. It’s crucial to stop just short of cutting all the way through, leaving about a half-inch hinge on one side. This ensures the pocket remains intact and securely holds your delicious filling. Starting from the thicker end and slowly slicing downwards helps maintain control.
If you find that your flavorful stuffing mixture is quite generous and the chicken breast isn’t naturally sealing around it, or if you’re worried about any leakage, a simple trick is to use wooden toothpicks. Gently pierce the edges of the chicken breast where the opening is, using one or two toothpicks to effectively “seal” the pocket. These toothpicks are oven-safe and will hold everything together beautifully while baking. Just remember to remove them before serving!
Absolutely! Searing the chicken breasts briefly before transferring them to the oven can add a wonderful golden-brown crust and lock in extra flavor. I highly recommend doing this in an oven-safe skillet, such as a cast-iron or a good quality non-stick pan, over medium-high heat. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until nicely browned, then immediately transfer the skillet (with the chicken) to the preheated oven to finish baking. This step isn’t strictly necessary but definitely enhances the final dish.
These stuffed chicken breasts make fantastic leftovers! Simply allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. In my opinion, the flavors often meld and deepen overnight, making them taste even better the next day! You can reheat them gently in the microwave or in a preheated oven until warmed through.
Creative Recipe Modifications & Customizations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to experiment with these ideas to suit your taste or what you have on hand:
- Fresh Herbs: Don’t underestimate the power of fresh herbs! While basil, parsley, and thyme are featured, feel free to add other favorites like fresh oregano, chives, or even a hint of fresh rosemary for a different aromatic profile.
- Choosing Your Chicken: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are our go-to for their easy stuffing and even cooking, this recipe also works beautifully with boneless chicken thighs or even chicken tenderloins. Remember that chicken thighs might require a slightly longer cooking time (around 30-35 minutes), while smaller tenderloins will cook much faster (15-20 minutes). Always check the internal temperature.
- Tomato Alternatives: If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t your preference or you’re out, you can still achieve a delicious dish. Consider using sweet Oven Roasted Tomatoes for a similar concentrated flavor, or even fresh, finely diced Roma tomatoes (make sure to remove excess seeds and moisture). For a quick marinated option, these Simple Marinated Tomatoes would also be a fantastic choice.
- Adding Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and texture by incorporating finely diced vegetables into the stuffing mixture or serving them alongside. Some favorites include sautéed mushrooms, spinach (ensure you squeeze out all excess water), bell peppers, or finely chopped onions.
- Exploring Different Cheeses: While goat cheese provides a unique tang, other creamy or crumbly cheeses can also work wonderfully. Consider crumbled feta for a salty kick, shredded mozzarella for a classic melty texture, or even a cream cheese blend mixed with herbs for an extra rich and creamy stuffing.
- Additional Ingredients: For even more depth, try adding caramelized onions, finely chopped artichoke hearts (canned, drained, and chopped), roasted red peppers (jarred, drained, and chopped), or even some pitted and sliced Kalamata olives to the stuffing mixture. Each addition will lend a distinct flavor profile to your stuffed chicken.
Pro Tip: When working with oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, never discard the flavorful oil! It’s a culinary gem. Use a tablespoon or two of this infused oil in your lemon butter sauce instead of plain olive oil for an extra layer of savory depth that truly elevates the dish.
Inspiring Alternative Stuffing Ideas:
If you love the concept of stuffed chicken but want to explore different flavor profiles, here are some other delicious and creative stuffing combinations you can try:
- Spinach, Artichoke, and Mozzarella: For a creamy, savory stuffing reminiscent of a classic dip, combine well-drained frozen spinach (it’s crucial to squeeze out all excess water), chopped artichoke hearts (from a can or jar, also well-drained), and shredded mozzarella cheese. A touch of garlic powder and a pinch of nutmeg would elevate this blend.
- Kalamata Olives, Feta Cheese, and Roasted Red Peppers: Embrace Mediterranean flavors with a stuffing of finely sliced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped roasted red peppers (jarred works perfectly). A hint of fresh dill or oregano would complement this combination beautifully, offering a salty, briny, and sweet profile.
- Pico de Gallo, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, and Black Beans: For a Tex-Mex twist, create a vibrant and zesty stuffing. Ensure your pico de gallo is thoroughly drained to avoid excess moisture, then mix it with cooked black beans and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. A sprinkle of cumin or chili powder could further enhance this exciting flavor combination.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Sun-dried Tomato Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
This flavorful chicken dish is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some suggestions to round out your meal:
- Potatoes: Hearty and comforting, potatoes are a classic accompaniment to chicken. Try our delectable Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes for a rich side, or these zesty Spicy Lebanese Potatoes for a kick. If you prefer something crisp, a batch of easy Baked French Fries will hit the spot. For a lighter option, simple roasted baby potatoes with rosemary would also be fantastic.
- Vegetables: To ensure a balanced and nutritious meal, I always recommend serving a fresh vegetable side. Our Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables offer a vibrant array of flavors, while Turmeric Cauliflower provides an earthy and healthful complement. For a quick green, this simple yet flavorful Lemon Parmesan Broccoli is a crowd-pleaser. Other great choices include sautéed green beans with garlic, roasted asparagus, or a simple side of quick-steamed peas.
- Salads: A refreshing salad can cut through the richness of the stuffed chicken beautifully. Our zesty Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts is light and peppery, while the hearty Zucchini Chickpea Quinoa Salad offers a substantial and nutritious option. For a simple classic, you can’t go wrong with this refreshing Easy Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing. A classic Caesar salad or a garden salad with a light vinaigrette would also be wonderful additions.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes You’ll Love:
If you’re looking to expand your chicken repertoire, be sure to check out some of these other fantastic recipes that celebrate the versatility and deliciousness of chicken:
- SUN-DRIED TOMATO FARRO CHICKEN BAKE: A wholesome and hearty one-pan meal.
- YOGURT MARINATED CHICKEN TENDERS: Incredibly tender and flavorful, perfect for grilling or baking.
- AIR FRYER MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN THIGHS: Quick, crispy, and packed with aromatic Mediterranean spices.
- CHICKEN KOFTA: Flavorful ground chicken skewers, ideal for a unique weeknight dinner.
- LEMON GARLIC CHICKEN: A timeless classic, bright, zesty, and utterly delicious.
- CHICKEN SHAWARMA: Bring the vibrant flavors of the Middle East to your kitchen.
- And don’t forget our convenient Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken Tenders and Vegetables for an easy cleanup dinner!
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Sun-dried Tomato Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds of boneless skinless Chicken Breasts
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes,, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves,, minced
- 4 ounces of crumbled goat cheese,, extra for garnish
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 cup of fresh basil,, chopped + plus more for garnish
- 1/2 of a lemon juiced + the zest of 1/2 of a lemon
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 C).
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In a small bowl, combine the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled goat cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, chopped fresh basil, and lemon zest. Mix well and set aside.
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Lay each chicken breast on a cutting board, thickest side up.
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Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast lengthwise to create a deep pocket for the stuffing.
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Start slicing from the top of the breast and slowly cut downwards, ensuring you do not slice all the way through, leaving one side attached to form a pocket.
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Sprinkle both sides of the prepared chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
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Evenly spoon the goat cheese mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast. If needed, secure the openings with toothpicks.
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Place the stuffed chicken breasts into a non-stick oven-safe skillet, cast iron skillet, or a baking dish.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 C) as measured by a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken (avoiding the stuffing). Thicker breasts will require longer cooking time.
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While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and stir until it melts and browns to a nutty “beurre noisette” (about 5-8 minutes). Stir in the fresh lemon juice and olive oil (or use the flavorful oil from your sun-dried tomato jar).
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Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven. Pour the lemon butter sauce generously over each chicken breast. Garnish with additional crumbled goat cheese, fresh thyme, parsley, and fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- For a dairy-free or lighter sauce, you can skip the butter entirely and use only olive oil (or the flavorful oil from the sun-dried tomatoes) in the lemon sauce.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 C). Remember to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure not to touch the stuffing, as its temperature might differ.
- If you’ve really loaded up your chicken breasts with stuffing, or if the pockets are a bit wide, don’t hesitate to use wooden toothpicks to secure the chicken around the filling. This prevents the delicious stuffing from spilling out during baking. Just be sure to remove them all before serving!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.