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

Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Goat Cheese, Basil and Sun-Dried Tomatoes image

Provided by Food Network

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 cup goat cheese
1/2 cup (packed) drained, coarsely chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
1 tablespoon chopped shallot
1 teaspoon minced garlic
3 or 4 fresh basil leaves, cut in thin strips
4 5-ounce boneless chicken breast halves with skin
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup butter
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Fresh basil leaves, cut in thin strips

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.