Best Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipes

BALSAMIC GOAT CHEESE STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir shallot until translucent, about 5 minutes. Pour balsamic vinegar into skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until balsamic vinegar mixture is reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Stir often.
• Cut chicken breasts from one side through the middle horizontally to within one-half inch of the other side. Open the two sides and spread them out like an open book.
• Spread half the goat cheese onto one half of each chicken breast and drizzle 1/3 of the reduced balsamic vinegar mixture over the goat cheese. Close the chicken breasts over the goat cheese and secure with toothpicks. Arrange chicken into a baking dish. Drizzle with remaining 1/3 of the balsamic reduction.
• Bake in the preheated oven until the chicken is no longer pink inside, the filling is hot, and the juices run clear, 30 to 35 minutes. An instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the center of a filled breast should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

CHICKEN BREASTS STUFFED WITH GOAT CHEESE AND BASIL

Steps:

• For chicken:
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Pound chicken between sheets of waxed paper to thickness of 1/4 inch using meat mallet. Pat chicken dry. Combine cheese, green onions and basil in small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Spread cheese mixture lengthwise over half of each chicken piece. Tuck short ends in. Roll chicken up, starting at one long side, into tight cylinders. Tie ends with string to secure. Dip chicken in egg, allowing excess to drip into bowl. Roll in breadcrumbs, shaking off excess. (Can be prepared 4 hours ahead. Refrigerate.)
• Place chicken in 8-inch square baking dish. Pour 2 tablespoons melted butter over. Bake until cooked through, about 20 minutes.
• For sauce:
• Meanwhile, melt 1/4 cup butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and sauté until tender, about 8 minutes. Add wine and boil 3 minutes. Add stock and boil until liquid is reduced by half, about 6 minutes. Remove from heat and swirl in 4 tablespoons cold butter 1 piece at a time. Season sauce with salt and freshly ground pepper. Remove string from chicken. Cut rolls crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. Fan on plates. Serve immediately, passing sauce separately.

GOAT CHEESE AND HERB STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Using a paring knife, make an incision in the side of each chicken breast, passing the knife though horizontally to make a slit but not cutting through the other side of the breast. With the paring knife inserted, rotate the knife to carve out a bit more space and create a pocket. Season the outside and inside of the chicken with salt and pepper.
• Lightly beat the egg white in a bowl to break it up, then add the goat cheese, parsley, tarragon, shallots, mustard and lemon zest and mix until incorporated. Transfer the mixture to a resealable plastic bag (or piping bag). Snip off a corner of the plastic bag and pipe the mixture into each chicken breast until filled.
• Heat the oil in a large ovenproof saute pan over medium-high heat until hot and glistening. Add the chicken breasts skin-side down and cook until the skin turns a dark golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the butter, garlic and thyme, then flip and transfer the pan to the oven; cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F, about 10 minutes. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

CHICKEN BREASTS STUFFED WITH GOAT CHEESE, BASIL AND SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a medium bowl, mix goat cheese, tomatoes, shallot, garlic, and the 3 to 4 leaves of basil.
• Using a small sharp knife and working with one chicken breast at a time, cut a 2-inch-long horizontal slit into the thick side of chicken breast. Move knife back and forth in slit to form a pocket. Divide cheese mixture among chicken pockets. Press edges closed and secure with a toothpick to seal. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.
• Heat oil in large ovenproof skillet over high heat. Add chicken, skin-side down; cook for 3 minutes or until skin is brown. Turn chicken over; transfer skillet to oven. Bake until cooked through (170 degrees F), about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a heavy small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Slice chicken and place on a serving plate. Drizzle lemon butter over chicken. Garnish with additional basil.

GOAT CHEESE, APRICOT, AND SAGE-STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• In a medium-size saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium and add the garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Don't let the onions and garlic brown. Next, add the chopped sage and salt and pepper to taste, and cook until the onions are translucent, 5 to 10 minutes. Add the apricots and cook until heated through, 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool for 10 minutes. Thoroughly mix in the goat cheese and set aside. (This can be made up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before stuffing the chicken breasts.)
• Place each chicken breast between 2 pieces of plastic wrap. With a kitchen mallet, a cleaver, or a heavy tin can, such as a can of tomatoes, pound the breasts until they are between 1/8 and 1/4-inch thick. (They will not roll easily if they are too thick.) Season with salt and pepper.
• Spread about 1/4 cup of the stuffing down the center of each chicken breast. Fold up the short ends of the chicken breast, and then roll one long side jelly-roll-fashion to the other side. Tie the ends with string to secure them. Place the egg in a shallow bowl and the panko crumbs in another shallow bowl. Dip the chicken in the egg, and then roll in the panko crumbs until completely coated. In an ovenproof saute pan, melt 4 tablespoons of the butter over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the pan and brown on all sides, about 8 minutes. Then put the pan in the oven and bake until the chicken is a deep golden color and firm when pressed, 10 to 12 minutes.
• After the chicken breasts come out of the oven, remove the strings and put them on a warmed platter; tent with foil. Next, place the pan over high heat and deglaze it with the wine. Boil until reduced to about 1 tablespoon, 1 to 2 minutes, and then add the chicken stock. Boil until reduced by half, 3 to 5 minutes, and add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from the heat and swirl in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter.
• Cut each breast in half crosswise and place one half on its side on the plate. Lean the second half against the first, facing down. Alternatively, slice breast into even slices. Drizzle with the sauce, garnish with sage leaves, and serve immediately.

CRISPY CHICKEN BREASTS STUFFED WITH MUSHROOMS AND GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• For the chicken: Coat a large saute pan with olive oil, toss in the shallots, season with salt and bring the pan to a medium-high heat. Cook the shallots for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Toss the chicken livers into the pan, stir to combine and cook for 2 minutes. Toss in the mushrooms, stir to combine and season with salt. Cook the mushrooms until they are soft and wilted, 4 to 5 minutes.
• Add the wine and cook, stirring frequently, until the mushroom mixture is almost dry. Remove from the heat and let cool.
• Transfer the cooled mushroom mixture to a medium bowl, add the goat cheese and chives and mix until it is a homogeneous mixture. Put the mushroom mixture in a disposable piping bag and reserve.
• Using a paring knife or boning knife, make an incision in the thick end of each chicken breast. Insert the knife all the way into the chicken breast and slide it back and forth to create a pocket. Try not to poke the knife through the top or bottom of the chicken.
• Squeeze the mushroom filling into each chicken breast.
• In 3 separate wide, shallow containers, set up a standard breading procedure: one container of flour, one with the beaten egg mixture and one with the panko.
• Season the chicken breasts with salt. Using one hand for wet things and one hand for dry things, dredge each chicken breast in the flour. Dip in the egg wash and then pack panko onto each chicken breast. Lay the chicken breasts on a sheet tray and let them rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Set up a tray lined with paper towels. Take the chicken breasts out of the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Coat a large saute pan with olive oil and bring the pan to a medium-high heat. Work in batches if all the chicken breasts do not fit in the pan at the same time. Cook the chicken until well browned on both sides, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Remove the browned chicken and blot it on the paper towels; season with salt immediately. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
• When all the chicken has been browned and blotted, place the chicken breasts on a wire rack set over a sheet tray and continue to cook for 10 to 15 minutes more in the oven.
• For the sauce: Meanwhile, ditch the fat from the pan and add the wine. Reduce the wine by half. Add half the chicken stock and reduce that by half. Add the remaining chicken stock and reduce that by half also (this will take a little time so be patient).
• Taste the reduced stock and season with salt if needed. Remove the pan from the heat and swirl in the butter.
• Plate the chicken and spoon the pan sauce over the chicken.

GOAT CHEESE AND HERB-STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
• Divide the chicken breasts in half, removing the cartilage. Loosen the skin from the meat by running a finger underneath the skin.
• Combine the goat cheese, herbs, garlic and pepper.
• Place a generous tablespoon of the cheese mixture between the skin and the meat of each breast. Replace the skin over the cheese and tuck all the edges of the meat and skin under to form a neat package. Arrange the breasts in a large roasting pan.
• Brush the chicken with the olive oil.
• Roast for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove to a warm platter.
• Pour off the fat from the roasting pan. Place the pan over medium-high heat. Add the wine and deglaze, scraping up bits of cheese and blending with the wine. Serve the chicken with this sauce on the side.

GOAT CHEESE AND MUSHROOM STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• Place the chicken breasts, 1 by 1, between 2 pieces of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1/2-inch thick. Set aside.
• Stem the mushrooms and place the caps and stems separately in a food processor and process until finely chopped. Melt the butter in a medium-sized saute pan over medium-high heat and add the mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms have released their liquid, and saute until all the liquid has evaporated. (This is called a duxelle.) Season well with the salt and pepper. Set aside.
• Smear each chicken breast with some of the goat cheese and top with some of the duxelle. Roll the breast up and tie with the kitchen twine. Season with the salt and pepper. In a large saute pan over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and sear the chicken on all sides. Continue to saute until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes. Allow to sit 5 minutes before removing the kitchen twine and slicing each rolled breast into 4 to 5 slices. Top with some of the remaining duxelle and several spoonfuls of the Mushroom Wine Sauce. Serve with the Sauteed Fingerling Potatoes, garnished with the chopped parsley.
• Place the shiitakes in a mixing bowl and add the boiling water. Allow to sit undisturbed 15 to 20 minutes, until the liquid is richly fragrant and has taken on the earthy flavor of the mushrooms. Strain and reserve the liquid. Discard the mushrooms or reserve for another use. In a small saute pan over medium-high heat, bring the mushroom liquid to a strong boil and reduce by half. Add the wine and chicken stock, reduce by 1/2 again. Remove from heat and add the butter, swirling the pan until the butter is incorporated and the sauce is glossy and shiny. Season with the salt and pepper.
• Using the mandoline or a knife, slice the potatoes into thin rounds of uniform thickness. Melt the butter in a large saute pan over medium-high heat and saute the potatoes until cooked through with a golden, crispy crust. Season with the salt and pepper.

GOAT CHEESE-STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• With a chicken breast flat on a cutting board, using a sharp knife, about 1/3 of the way down the thick side, cut a deep pocket horizontally into the center of the meat about 3/4 of the way down, being careful not to cut through to the other side. (The pocket will be about 2 1/2 inches long and 1 1/2 to 2 inches deep.) Repeat with the remaining breasts. Wash hands well.
• In a small bowl, mash together the goat cheese, butter, chives, parsley, thyme, lemon juice and garlic. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Divide into 4 equal pieces and form plugs to fit inside the chicken breasts. Insert 1 into each breast and press the edges of chicken meat to seal. Lightly season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• In a large shallow bowl, combine the flour and the Essence. In another bowl, beat the egg with the water.
• One at a time, lightly dust the chicken on both sides with the flour, then dip in the egg, shaking to remove any excess. Place again in the flour and turn to completely coat, shaking to remove any excess. Set aside.
• In a large, oven-proof skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Place the pan in the oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through, 7 to 10 minutes.
• Remove from the oven. Arrange the risotto in the center of 4 plates and place the chicken to the side. Arrange the carrots along the bottom of the plates, and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.
• In a medium saucepan, bring the stock to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to very low to keep hot.
• In a large heavy saucepan, heat the oil and melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and garlic, and cook, stirring until fragrant and soft, about 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring, until wilted and their liquid is evaporated, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly, until the grains are opaque, about 1 minute. Stir in the thyme. Add the wine and cook, stirring, until nearly all evaporated. Add 3/4 cup of the stock, the salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until the stock is nearly all evaporated. Continue adding more stock 1/2 cup at a time as the previous addition is nearly absorbed, until the rice is tender and the risotto is creamy, 18 to 20 minutes. Stir in cream, 1/2 cup of the cheese, and the parsley and mix well.
• Remove from the heat and adjust the seasoning, to taste. If desired, stir in truffle oil to taste.
• Serve immediately, topping each portion with a sprinkling of the remaining cheese and ham.
• In a large stockpot, combine all the ingredients and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 2 hours, skimming the surface occasionally to remove any foam that forms on the surface.
• Remove from the heat and strain through a fine mesh strainer into a clean container. (If necessary, strain again.) Remove the meat from the bones and reserve for another use. Discard the bones and vegetables. Let the stock cool completely, and refrigerate overnight. Skim any fat that forms on the surface. Keep refrigerated in airtight containers until ready to use, up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
• On a cutting board, using a sharp, heavy knife, cut the carrots in half crosswise, then in half lengthwise. With the flat edge down, cut into thin slices. Place the slices in a stack and slice into even matchstick pieces. (If a fine dice is required, these pieces in turn are chopped into equal small cubes.)
• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the carrots and blanch until just tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and shock in the prepared ice bath to stop cooking and preserve color.
• When ready to serve the carrots, in a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. When foamy, add the carrots and cook, stirring, until warmed through and glossy, about 1 minute.
• Remove from the heat, sprinkle with the parsley and serve immediately.

CHICKEN BREASTS STUFFED WITH OLIVES AND GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, mash the goat cheese and milk together until smooth.
• Mix in the garlic, parsley, oregano, and chile flakes.
• Stir in the olives and season with salt and pepper.
• On the thickest side of each breast, cut a deep, 3-inch-long pocket.
• Using your fingers, stuff the goat cheese mixture into each pocket.
• Close by pressing the flesh together, securing with a toothpick if necessary.
• In a large frying pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
• Have ready a lid that's too small for the pan but will cover all the breasts.
• Cook the chicken on one side until golden brown, 5 to 6 minute Turn the breasts over, season with salt and pepper, and set the small lid on top of them.
• Continue to sauté until the chicken is cooked through, about another 10 minute Transfer the chicken to a warm serving plate.
• Pour the wine into the pan and cook, scraping up the flavorful brown bits stuck to the pan, until it's reduced to a glossy syrup.
• Drizzle the reduction over the chicken and serve.
• If you choose to serve with the ROASTED CHILE-CILANTRO SAUCE: In a blender or food processor, combine the poblanos, onion and lime juice and blend until smooth.
• While the blender is running, add the oil slowly until emulsified.
• Add the spinach and cilantro and blend until smooth.
• Add the honey and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Serve at room temperature.

CHICKEN BREASTS STUFFED WITH ZUCCHINI, ROASTED RED PEPPER, AND GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• In a skillet cook the onion in 1 tablespoon of the oil over moderately low heat until it is softened, add the zucchini, and cook the mixture, stirring, for 1 minute, or until the zucchini is tender. Stir in the red pepper, the goat cheese, and salt and pepper to taste and cook the mixture, stirring, until cheese is melted. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl and let it cool slightly.
• With your fingers make a pocket for the filling in each chicken breast half by separating in skin from the meat, being careful not to tear the skin and keeping the skin attached along most of the edge. Stuff each pocket with half the filling with a small spoon, packing it and pulling the skin to cover the filling completely, and secure the pockets with wooden picks if desired. In a large skillet heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil over moderately high heat until it is hot but not smoking and in it sauté the chicken, beginning with the skin side up, for 2 minutes on each side. Reduce the heat to moderate, cook the chicken for 9 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through, and divide it between 2 plates. Pour off the fat from the skillet, to the skillet add the broth, and boil the broth, scraping up the brown bits, for 30 seconds. Strain the sauce and pour it around the chicken.

GOAT CHEESE AND OLIVE-STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300°F.
• Pit and thinly slice olives. In a small bowl stir together olives, goat cheese, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste until combined well. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
• To form a pocket in chicken for filling:
• Put a chicken breast half on a cutting board and, beginning in middle of 1 side of breast half, horizontally insert a sharp thin knife three fourths of the way through center, moving knife in a fanning motion to create a pocket. Form pocket in remaining breast half in same manner. Divide filling between pockets and spread evenly with a finger.
• Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. In a small heavy ovenproof skillet heat oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and brown chicken, skin sides down, about 2 minutes. Turn chicken over and brown about 2 minutes more. Transfer skillet to middle of oven and bake chicken until cooked through, about 15 minutes.

SPINACH AND GOAT CHEESE STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees.
• Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat.
• Add onions and saute until translucent.
• Add spinach and real bacon bits, continue to cook until spinach is wilted.
• Remove from heat to cool.
• Prepare chicken breasts by trimming any visible fat and cutting into the side to form a pouch.
• Once spinach mixture has cooled, crumble goat cheese over it and combine.
• Stuff spinach mixture into chicken breasts and seal with toothpicks.
• Combine breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
• Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg, then coat well with the breadcrumb mixture.
• Spray each chicken breast with olive oil cooking spray and bake for 30 minutes or until cooked through.

CHICKEN BREASTS STUFFED WITH GOAT CHEESE AND SPINACH

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a large deep pot over medium-high heat, and saute the garlic, shallot, and thyme for 2 minutes, until softened.
• Add the spinach, and saute for 1 minute longer, until just wilted, but still bright green and not mushy.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper, remove from heat, and let cool enough to handle.
• Squeeze about half of the spinach dry using your hands; you should have a tennis ball size mass after squeezing.
• Refrigerate the remaining spinach for another use, and coarsely chop the squeezed ball of spinach.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Spray an 8"x8" baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• In a small bowl, mix the optional roasted red peppers with the olives, capers, optional walnuts, and balsamic vinegar.
• Combine this mixture with the softened goat cheese, and set aside.
• If desired, divided in quarters, and refrigerate until firm (recommended, but not required).
• Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and place breasts skin-side down on a flat surface.
• Spread about one quarter of the spinach mixture in the center of each pounded chicken breast.
• Evenly divide the goat cheese mixture among the chicken breasts, placing a piece in the center of each breast.
• Fold the sides of each breast up and around the filling to form a more or less ball shaped package, sealing the bottom of the chicken packages as well as possible without getting fanatical about it.
• Place the chicken in prepared baking pan, pretty side up.
• Brush with about half of the butter, and sprinkle to taste with salt and pepper.
• Cover with aluminum foil, and bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes.
• Turn oven to broil.
• Uncover chicken, brush with remaining butter, and sprinkle with a little optional paprika, if desired, and broil just until the chicken is nicely browned.
• Place the chicken on a serving platter and sprinkle with parsley if desired.
• Serve with brown rice and a spinach salad dressed with vinaigrette and homemade croutons.
• Serves 4.

HERB GOAT CHEESE-STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine goat cheese, basil, oregano, thyme, lemon rind, salt and pepper; set aside. (Make-ahead: Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 8 hours.)
• With sharp knife held horizontally and starting at thinner side, cut each chicken breast in half almost but not all the way through; open like book. Place between sheets of plastic wrap; pound with mallet to even thickness.
• Roll 2 tablespoons of the filling into a log shape; place into crease of chicken breast. Fold top and bottom over ends of log; fold side edges of chicken over log to overlap. Turn chicken over so seam is underneath. Repeat with remaining chicken. (Make-ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours.)
• Brush chicken with oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place on greased rimmed baking sheet. Roast in 375 degree oven until chicken is cooked through about 20-30 minutes.
• In a bowl, cover tomatoes with boiling water; let stand until softened, about 10 minutes. Drain and dice.
• In large skillet, melt half of the butter over medium heat; fry onions until very soft and golden brown, about 20 minutes. Transfer to bowl.
• Increase heat to medium-high. Add remaining butter; saute mushrooms and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. Return onions to pan. Add sherry; cook until reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes.
• Add stock and cream; bring to boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until sauce is thick enough to coat back of spoon, about 4 minutes.
• Slice each chicken breast on angle into 4 pieces. Spoon sauce onto plates; arrange chicken over sauce.

CHICKEN BREASTS STUFFED WITH ARTICHOKES, LEMON & GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees 2. Combine first 6 ingredients; STIR well 3. Place each chicken breast half between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; point to 1/4 inch thickness using a meat mallet or small heavy skillet 4. Top each breast half with 2 tablespoons cheese mixture, and roll up jelly roll fashion 5. Secure each roll with wooden picks 6. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. 7. Coat pan with cooking spray 8. Add chicken to pan 9. Cook 3 minutes on each side (OR until browned) 10. Wrap handle of pan with foil 11. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes (or until done)

STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS WITH RED PEPPER AND GOAT CHEESE SAUCE

Steps:

• Using a small, sharp knife, cut a slit down the side of each chicken breast to form the breast into a pocket. Tuck 2 slices of prosciutto inside each breast.
• Add half of the sliced garlic, the thyme and half the goat cheese, dividing these evenly between the two chicken pockets.
• Fasten the chicken pocket, using either cook's string or wooden skewers.
• In a large frying pan heat 2 tbsp of the olive oil until very hot. Add the chicken parcels, skin side-down, and fry for 5 minutes. Turn over and fry on the other side for a further 2 minutes.
• Add the remaining garlic and sliced red pepper. Add the broth and season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Bring to the boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
• Remove the chicken parcels from the pan and set aside, keeping warm. Add the remaining goat cheese to the pepper mixture. In a food processor or blender blend the pepper mixture until smooth. Heat the sauce through.
• Divide the pepper sauce among two serving plates. Top with chicken parcels, sprinkle over torn basil and serve at once.

SPINACH AND GOAT CHEESE STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400°F. Heat 2 teaspoons of the oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in spinach and cook, stirring constantly, until spinach is wilted and liquid evaporates, about 2 minutes. Season the spinach well with salt and pepper and transfer to a plate. Wipe skillet dry with paper towels. Beginning at the thickest end of 1 chicken breast, carefully insert a sharp knife into center and cut a pocket as evenly as possible, leaving a 1-inch border on three sides. Repeat with remaining breasts. Open each pocket, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then fill evenly with goat cheese and spinach. Seal each with two toothpicks and season outside with salt and pepper. Heat the remaining oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, turning once, until well browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until juices run clear, about 8 minutes. Serve hot.

CHICKEN BREASTS STUFFED WITH GOAT CHEESE, BASIL AND RED PEPPER

Steps:

• For chicken: Preheat oven to 350F.
• Pound chicken between 2 sheets of wax paper to thickness of ¼ inch.
• Pat chicken dry.
• Combine cheese, green onions, red pepper and basil in a small bowl.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Spread cheese mixture lengthwise over half of each chicken piece.
• Tuck short ends in and roll chicken up, starting at one long side, into tight cylinders.
• Tie ends together with string to secure.
• Dip chicken in egg, allowing excess to drip back into bowl.
• Roll in breadcrumbs, shaking off excess (can be prepared up to 4 hours ahead; refrigerate).
• Place chicken in square baking dish to comfortably hold rolls.
• Pour 2 tblsps melted butter over.
• Bake until cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
• For sauce: Melt ¼ cup butter in large skillet over medium heat.
• Add mushrooms and saute until tender, about 8 minutes.
• Add wine and boil for 3 minutes.
• Add stock and boil until liquid is reduced by half, about 6 minutes.
• Remove from heat and swirl in 4 tblsps of butter, one piece at a time.
• Season.
• Remove string from chicken.
• Cut rolls crosswise into ½ inch thick rounds.
• Fan on plates.
• Serve immediately, passing sauce separately.

CHICKEN BREASTS STUFFED WITH GOAT CHEESE AND ARUGULA

Steps:

• Combine cheese and garlic in a small cup. Trim excess fat from chicken; season with salt and pepper. Using a sharp knife, cut a horizontal slit through thickest portion of each breast to form a deep pocket. Stuff each pocket with an equal amount of cheese mixture and arugula. Press edges of chicken together to seal.
• Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken, 4 minutes per side. Reduce heat to medium; add broth to pan. Cover and simmer, about 6 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Serve immediately, discarding any remaining broth.