Master the Art of Stuffed Chicken: Delicious Sun-Dried Tomato Goat Cheese Chicken Breasts
Elevate your weeknight dinners and impress your guests with these exquisite Sun-dried Tomato Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts. This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a culinary delight, bursting with rich, savory, and tangy flavors. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts, expertly filled with a creamy, flavorful mixture of sun-dried tomatoes and piquant goat cheese, then baked to golden perfection. A sprinkle of fresh herbs and a hint of lemon zest complete this incredibly easy yet sophisticated dish that your family will undoubtedly adore. It’s a meal that feels gourmet but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
This recipe for Sun-dried Tomato Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts is absolutely packed with savory, robust flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The inspiration for this dish came from a memorable experience at Carrabba’s, where I first tasted their “Chicken Bryan” and was instantly captivated. I knew immediately that I had to recreate that magic at home, bringing those incredible flavors to my own kitchen.
The marriage of the intense, sweet-tartness of sun-dried tomatoes with the creamy, slightly tangy profile of goat cheese is, in my opinion, a match made in culinary heaven. When you nestle this delightful combination into a perfectly tender chicken breast, you create a meal that is not only incredibly satisfying but also surprisingly simple, making it an ideal choice for an easy weeknight dinner.
This particular chicken dish is one you’ll want to revisit again and again, whether you’re hosting a dinner party, planning your weekly meals, or prepping for the days ahead. It’s versatile, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re a fan of flavorful chicken, you might also enjoy my recipes for Chicken Souvlaki, a fresh and zesty option, or perhaps some of our other globally inspired chicken dishes.
Chicken dinners don’t have to be bland or predictable. They offer a fantastic canvas for a wide array of rich, delicious flavors. Beyond today’s Stuffed Chicken Breasts, I frequently turn to favorites like my savory Greek Lemon Chicken, the aromatic Moroccan Chicken Thighs, and the boldly spiced Tandoori Grilled Chicken to keep meal times exciting and full of taste.
Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Sun-Dried Tomato Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Crafting these delectable stuffed chicken breasts requires a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the layered flavors:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of our dish, boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a lean and tender base. Their mild flavor perfectly absorbs the rich stuffing and sauce. While recommended, you can also substitute them with chicken thighs or tenderloins, just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly as they might cook faster or slower.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: These concentrated flavor bombs add a deep, sweet, and intensely savory umami note that perfectly complements the creamy goat cheese. Opt for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for a pungent, aromatic kick that elevates the entire dish. If fresh isn’t available, a good quality garlic powder can be used in a pinch (about 1/4 teaspoon per clove).
- Goat Cheese: The creamy, tangy goat cheese is the heart of our stuffing. Its unique flavor profile provides a beautiful counterpoint to the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes and keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. Crumbled goat cheese is easiest to work with for stuffing.
- Oregano: Dried oregano introduces an earthy, slightly peppery warmth that ties the Mediterranean-inspired flavors together. It’s a classic herb that always works well with chicken and tomato.
- Fresh Basil, Fresh Thyme and Fresh Parsley: Using fresh herbs truly takes this dish to the next level, offering vibrant aromas and brighter flavors than their dried counterparts. Fresh basil provides a sweet, aromatic lift, while thyme adds a subtle, earthy touch, and parsley brings a fresh, clean finish. Always aim for fresh when garnishing and finishing your dish.
- Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, zesty acidity that cuts through the richness of the cheese and butter, balancing the savory flavors beautifully. Lemon zest provides an intense burst of citrus aroma.
- Butter: Butter is key for our luscious sauce, providing a nutty, rich depth of flavor when browned. It adds a luxurious finish that coats the chicken in deliciousness.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Stuffed Chicken Masterpiece
Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping meal that’s perfect for any occasion:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
Step 1. Create the Flavorful Goat Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, creamy goat cheese, aromatic oregano, and fragrant lemon zest. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Set this vibrant mixture aside. Now, place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a clean cutting board, ready for the next step.
Step 2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts for Stuffing: With a sharp knife, carefully make a deep slit lengthwise into the side of each chicken breast, starting from the thickest part. This creates a pocket for your stuffing. Be very careful not to cut all the way through to the other side, as this will cause the stuffing to leak out during baking. This pocket is where all the delicious flavors will be held.
Generously season both sides of each chicken breast with a small amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 3. Stuff the Chicken Breasts: Carefully spoon the prepared goat cheese filling into the pocket you created in each chicken breast. Divide the mixture evenly among the four chicken breasts. Gently press the chicken together to enclose the stuffing as much as possible. Place the stuffed chicken breasts into a non-stick oven-safe skillet, a reliable cast iron skillet, or a suitable baking dish. This ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.
Step 4. Bake to Perfection: Place the skillet or baking dish with the stuffed chicken breasts into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) when checked with a meat thermometer. Remember that thicker chicken breasts will require a longer cooking time. While the chicken bakes, it’s time to prepare our delicious butter sauce.
Step 5. Craft the Zesty Butter Sauce: While the chicken is in the oven, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt and brown slightly, which should take about 5-8 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning – you’re looking for a rich, nutty aroma and a light golden-brown color. Once browned, stir in the fresh lemon juice and the extra virgin olive oil. For an extra layer of flavor, consider using the flavorful oil from the sun-dried tomato jar. This creates a vibrant, tangy sauce. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and generously pour this warm lemon butter sauce over each stuffed chicken breast.
Step 6. Garnish and Serve: To finish this impressive dish, garnish generously with additional crumbled goat cheese, fresh thyme, fresh parsley, and freshly chopped basil. The fresh herbs add both visual appeal and a burst of aromatic flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts, perfectly roasted asparagus, and some crusty bread to soak up all that delightful sauce. Enjoy your gourmet meal!
Recipe FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Chicken should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). When checking this stuffed chicken breast, be sure to insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, ensuring it doesn’t touch the sun-dried tomato and goat cheese stuffing mixture, which can give a false reading.
Lay the boneless, skinless chicken breasts flat on a cutting board, with the thickest side facing up. Using a very sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast lengthwise, creating a deep pocket. Start from the top of the breast and slowly cut downwards, being crucial not to slice all the way through to the other side. This ensures the stuffing remains securely inside during cooking.
If you find that your stuffing mixture is abundant or the chicken breast isn’t sealing well around it, a simple solution is to use wooden toothpicks. Gently pierce the chicken around the opening to secure the edges and keep the filling contained. You can bake the chicken with the toothpicks in; just remember to remove them before serving.
Yes, searing the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side in a cast-iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat before transferring them to the oven can significantly enhance the flavor and create a beautifully golden crust. This step adds an extra layer of deliciousness, locking in juices and developing richer flavors.
These stuffed chicken breasts make excellent leftovers! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Many people find the flavors meld even further overnight, making them taste even better the next day when gently reheated.
Recipe Modifications and Variations for Stuffed Chicken
This stuffed chicken breast recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or what you have on hand:
- Fresh Herbs: Don’t limit yourself! While basil, thyme, and parsley are fantastic, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like chives for a delicate oniony note or fresh marjoram for a slightly sweeter, piney flavor. Fresh herbs are truly your best friend in this recipe.
- Chicken Cut: While chicken breasts are classic, boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer a richer, moister result due to their higher fat content and are an excellent substitute. Chicken tenderloins can also be used for smaller portions, just be sure to reduce cooking time significantly to prevent drying out.
- Tomato Alternatives: If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t your preference, or you’re looking for a fresh take, consider using our vibrant Oven Roasted Tomatoes for a caramelized sweetness, or tangy Simple Marinated Tomatoes for a brighter, garden-fresh flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and texture by adding finely diced vegetables to your stuffing or as a side baked alongside the chicken. Favorites include steamed green beans, tender broccoli florets, or crisp asparagus spears, which complement the rich flavors beautifully.
- Cheese Swaps: While goat cheese provides a unique tang, other cheeses can also create delicious results. Crumbled feta cheese will lend a saltier, more robust Mediterranean profile, while mozzarella offers a classic, gooey melt. Even mixing cream cheese with herbs could create a delightfully creamy stuffing.
- Other Flavorful Additions: For an even more complex flavor, incorporate ingredients like sweet caramelized onions, briny artichoke hearts, tender roasted red peppers, or savory olives into your goat cheese mixture. These additions introduce new textures and deepen the overall taste.
Pro Tip: When cooking with sun-dried tomatoes, especially those packed in oil, make sure to save some of that flavorful oil! It’s infused with tomato essence and herbs, making it a fantastic addition to your butter sauce or for drizzling over the finished dish, adding an extra layer of robust flavor.
Creative Stuffing Ideas for Chicken Breasts: Beyond Sun-Dried Tomato Goat Cheese
While the sun-dried tomato and goat cheese filling is a true winner, don’t hesitate to get creative with other delicious stuffing combinations for your chicken breasts:
- Spinach, Artichoke, and Mozzarella Cheese: This classic combination offers a comforting and cheesy stuffing. I recommend using frozen spinach, ensuring you thoroughly squeeze out all excess water before mixing it with finely chopped artichoke hearts (from a can or jar, drained) and shredded mozzarella cheese. A pinch of nutmeg can further enhance the spinach flavor.
- Kalamata Olives, Feta Cheese, and Roasted Red Peppers: For a delightful Mediterranean twist, this stuffing is a vibrant choice. Combine sliced Kalamata olives for their briny kick, crumbled feta cheese for its salty tang, and chopped roasted red peppers (from a jar, drained) for a sweet and smoky element. A hint of fresh oregano would tie these flavors together perfectly.
- Pico de Gallo, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, and Black Beans: Transform your stuffed chicken into a Tex-Mex inspired delight. Make sure your pico de gallo is well-drained to avoid excess moisture. Mix it with cooked black beans (canned, rinsed, and drained) and shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a hearty, flavorful filling with a spicy kick. A dash of cumin or chili powder wouldn’t hurt!
What Should I Serve with Sun-dried Tomato Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts?
Complete your meal with these fantastic side dish suggestions that perfectly complement the rich flavors of our stuffed chicken:
- Potatoes: Potatoes are a classic and comforting companion to chicken. Try our incredibly satisfying Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes for a creamy, crispy side. For something with a bit of a kick, our Spicy Lebanese Potatoes offer vibrant flavors. Or, for a simple crowd-pleaser, crispy Baked French Fries are always a hit.
- Vegetables: Always a good idea to include some greens! Our colorful Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables bring a medley of flavors and textures. For a unique and healthy option, try the earthy notes of Turmeric Cauliflower. And for a bright, lemony side, this Lemon Parmesan Broccoli is quick and delicious.
- Salad: A fresh salad can offer a wonderful contrast to the rich chicken. My go-to is this bright Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts, offering peppery greens and a light dressing. For something more substantial, the Zucchini Chickpea Quinoa Salad is hearty and flavorful. Or, keep it simple and fresh with this Easy Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing. Looking for more effortless dinner ideas? Our Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken Tenders and Vegetables is another fantastic choice.
Other Chicken Recipes You Might Like:
If you’ve enjoyed this delightful chicken recipe, explore some of our other popular chicken dishes to add more variety to your meal plan:
- SUN-DRIED TOMATO FARRO CHICKEN BAKE
- YOGURT MARINATED CHICKEN TENDERS
- AIR FRYER MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN THIGHS
- CHICKEN KOFTA
- LEMON GARLIC CHICKEN
- CHICKEN SHAWARMA
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Sun-dried Tomato Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Julia Jolliff
15 minutes
30 minutes
45 minutes
4
Saved
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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 degrees C).
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In a small bowl, combine the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese, minced garlic, oregano, chopped fresh basil, and lemon zest. Mix well and set aside.
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Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board with the thickest part facing 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 chicken breast and slowly work your way down. Ensure you do not cut all the way through the chicken breast, or the stuffing will fall out during cooking.
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Sprinkle a small amount of salt and pepper generously on each side of the chicken breasts.
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Spoon the goat cheese mixture into the slit of each chicken breast, dividing the mixture evenly among the four chicken breasts. Gently press the chicken to enclose the filling.
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Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a non-stick oven-safe skillet, cast iron skillet, or a baking dish.
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Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) when checked with a meat thermometer. Keep in mind that thicker chicken breasts will require a longer cooking time.
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While the chicken bakes, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and stir until it melts and browns to a nutty aroma, about 5-8 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and the extra virgin olive oil (or use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar for extra flavor).
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Remove the chicken from the oven and pour the lemon butter sauce generously over each chicken breast. Garnish with additional crumbled goat cheese, fresh thyme, fresh parsley, and fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- You can skip the butter in the sauce and use all olive oil for a lighter alternative.
- When checking the chicken’s internal temperature, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure not to touch the stuffing mixture, which might not reach the same temperature.
- If you have a lot of stuffing and it’s difficult to keep inside the chicken breasts, use a few wooden toothpicks to secure the opening. Just remember to remove them before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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