Ina Garten Chicken Goat Cheese Basil Recipe
Ina Garten Chicken Goat Cheese Basil Recipe is fresh, creamy, and full of flavor. Juicy chicken is stuffed with goat cheese, basil, and garlic, then baked to perfection. This easy dish looks elegant but is simple enough for weeknight dinners. If you are looking for a comforting yet light meal, this recipe is a perfect choice for family dinners or small gatherings.
Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet or baking dish
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Toothpicks optional
- Tongs
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – 4
- Goat cheese – 4 oz, softened
- Fresh basil leaves – 1 cup, chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Dried oregano – ½ teaspoon
- Cherry tomatoes – ½ cup, halved
- Parmesan cheese – ¼ cup, grated
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to carefully slice a pocket into each piece. Do not cut all the way through. This pocket will hold the filling.
Make the Filling
- In a bowl, mix goat cheese, chopped basil, and minced garlic. Stir until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be easy to spread and smell fresh and herby.
Stuff the Chicken
- Spoon the cheese mixture into each chicken pocket. Press gently to fill evenly. If needed, use toothpicks to keep the filling inside while cooking. This helps keep everything neat.
Season the Chicken
- Rub the chicken with olive oil on both sides. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and oregano evenly. This simple seasoning adds great flavor and helps create a golden outer layer.
Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the stuffed chicken in an oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.
Add Tomatoes and Bake
- Scatter cherry tomatoes around the chicken. Bake for about 25 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked and the juices should run clear when cut.
Finish with Parmesan
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking. This adds a slightly crispy and cheesy top layer that tastes amazing.
Rest and Serve
- Remove the chicken from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices inside and makes the chicken more tender.
Notes
- Do not overfill the chicken to prevent leaking
- Use fresh basil for best flavor
- You can swap goat cheese with cream cheese for milder taste
- Sear chicken before baking for extra color
- Serve with roasted vegetables or salad
- Store leftovers in fridge up to 3 days
- Reheat in oven at 350°F for best texture