Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Goat Cheese And Spinach Food

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).

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.

GOAT CHEESE AND SPINACH STUFFED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°. In small bowl, combine the spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and 1/8 teaspoon salt., Cut a pocket horizontally in the thickest part of each chicken breast. Fill with spinach mixture; secure with toothpicks., In an 8-in. cast-iron or ovenproof skillet, heat 1-1/2 teaspoons oil over medium heat. Brown chicken on each side. Place in oven; bake 10 minutes., Toss asparagus with remaining 1-1/2 teaspoons oil, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon salt; add to skillet. Bake until a thermometer inserted in chicken reads 165° and asparagus is tender, 10-15 minutes longer. If desired, drizzle with vinegar. Discard toothpicks before serving.

SPINACH AND MUSHROOM STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• Place breasts in the center of a plastic food storage bag or 2 large sheets of waxed paper. Pound out the chicken from the center of the bag outward using a heavy-bottomed skillet or mallet. Be firm but controlled with your strokes.
• Defrost spinach in the microwave. Transfer spinach to a kitchen towel. Twist towel around spinach and wring it out until very dry. Transfer to a medium-mixing bowl.
• Place a nonstick skillet over moderate heat. When skillet is hot, add butter, mushrooms, garlic and shallot. Season with salt and pepper and saute 5 minutes. Transfer mushrooms, garlic and shallot to the food processor. Pulse to grind the mushrooms and transfer to the mixing bowl, adding the processed mushrooms to the spinach. Add ricotta and grated cheese to the bowl and the nutmeg. Stir to combine the stuffing. Return your skillet to the stove over medium high heat.
• Place a mound of stuffing on each breast and wrap and roll breast over the stuffing. Secure breasts with toothpicks. Add 3 tablespoons oil to the pan, 3 turns of the pan. Add breasts to the pan and brown on all sides, cooking chicken 10 to 12 minutes. The meat will cook quickly because it is thin. Remove breasts; add butter to the pan and flour. Cook butter and flour for a minute, whisk in wine and reduce another minute. Whisk in broth and return breasts to the pan. Reduce heat and simmer until ready to serve. Remove toothpicks. Serve breasts whole or, remove from pan, slice on an angle and fan out on dinner plates. Top stuffed chicken breasts or sliced stuffed breasts with generous spoonfuls of the sauce.

SPINACH AND GOAT CHEESE STUFFED CHICKEN BREAST

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300.
• In a bowl, mix spinach, goat cheese, lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoons salt and pepper until well combined.
• Lay pounded chicken breast out and place 1/4 of cheese mixture on top. Roll chicken breast and secure with toothpicks (I usually use about 3 each piece).
• Dredge chicken in flour and brown on all sides in heated skillet.
• Remove chicken and place in oven while completing dish.
• Add 2 tbs. oil in skillet and add garlic, onion, thyme, 1/8 teaspoons salt and red pepper flakes. Cook 3-4 minute then add 1 tbs. flour. Cook 1 minute more.
• Whisk in stock and cook 4-5 minute until thickened.
• Add lemon juice, parsley and roasted peppers.
• When plating, slice each breast about 1/2 inches thick and spoon sauce on top.

SPINACH & GOAT CHEESE-STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium low heat. Add the shallots and cook slowly until softened and aromatic, 8 to 10 minutes. Increase the heat to medium and add the spinach (in batches, if necessary) and wine. Cook, stirring frequently, until the spinach is wilted and all the liquid has evaporated, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the goat cheese, salt, and pepper. Let cool to room temperature.
• If the chicken breasts have tenderloins, remove them. Trim, rinse, and pat the breasts dry.
• Make a pocket on the thicker side of each breast. Using a sharp boning or utility knife, cut into the breast about 1/2 inch from one end. Create a pocket, slicing to within about 1/4 inch of the other side.
• Stuff each breast with about one-quarter of the filling, distributing it evenly throughout the pocket and to the ends. Press on the top of each breast to close the pocket.
• Line up three wide shallow dishes. Fill the first with the flour. In the second, whisk the eggs. In the third, toss the breadcrumbs with 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper.
• Season the breasts generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge one breast well in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the eggs, turning to coat evenly, and then dredge it in the breadcrumbs, pressing to make the crumbs adhere evenly. Gently shake off any excess. Set on a plate and repeat with the other breasts. Refrigerate for at least 5 minutes and up to 3 hours to let the breading set. Discard any leftover flour, egg, or crumbs.
• Heat the oven to 350°F. Heat the oil in a heavy 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is very hot, carefully add two of the breasts to the pan and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. If the oil seems to get too hot, reduce the heat to medium. Transfer the breasts to a baking sheet. Repeat with the other two breasts.
• Bake until the chicken and filling reach 165°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 15 minutes. Serve immediately.

GOAT CHEESE & SPINACH STUFFED CHICKEN BREAST WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS + MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Use a sharp knife to hasselback each chicken breast, and cut 6 slits into the top of each breast, making sure you don't cut all the way through to the bottom of the chicken breast. Drizzle each chicken breast with a little olive oil then season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
• Place a large ovenproof skillet over medium high heat and add in ½ tablespoon of olive oil. Add in spinach and season with garlic powder. Cook, stirring occasionally until spinach is fully wilted.
• Transfer cooked spinach to a medium bowl and add in goat cheese. Stir until well combined. Stuff each slit with the spinach/goat cheese mixture.
• Next add a 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add in sliced onions, mushrooms, fresh thyme, optional balsamic vinegar and season with a little salt and pepper. Saute until onions begin to caramelize and mushrooms turn golden brown. Make room for the chicken by moving the mushrooms and onions to the sides of the skillet.
• Add chicken to the skillet, making sure there is a little bit of room between each chicken breast; you may need to rearrange the mushrooms and onions. Transfer to oven and bake for 20-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and meat thermometer reads 165 degrees F. Serves 4.

GOAT CHEESE-STUFFED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Place tomatoes in a shallow dish; crush with a potato masher or by hand.
• Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until softened and translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, 2 tablespoons thyme, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until sauce-like in consistency, about 10 minutes. Remove sauce from heat.
• Wrap chicken breasts in plastic wrap; place on a flat work surface. Firmly pound chicken with the smooth side of a meat mallet to a 1/2-inch thickness.
• Combine goat cheese, green onions, 2 tablespoons thyme, and pepper in a bowl. Spread 1/4 of the mixture over the middle of each chicken breast. Roll up each chicken breast and place onto a plate, seam side-down.
• Heat butter and 1 teaspoon oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, seam side-down; cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Add the tomato sauce; reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until chicken is longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 5 to 7 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

CHEESE STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• In a large non-stick frying pan over med.
• heat, sauté onion and garlic in 1 tbsp.
• of oil until soft (about 3-4 min.) Cool.
• Add onion and garlic mixture to remaining stuffing ingredients and mix together in a medium sized bowl.
• With a rolling pin or meat pounder, flatten chicken breasts.
• Divide stuffing equally in the centre of each breast.
• Tightly roll chicken around the stuffing, tucking in the ends.
• Seal with toothpicks.
• In the same frying pan, add 1 tbsp.
• each of olive oil and butter.
• Over med-high heat, brown the stuffed chicken breasts, turning several times, for 5 min.
• Reduce heat to med-low; cover pan and simmer for 10 min.
• turning occasionally.
• Remove chicken from pan and keep warm.
• Increase heat to high, add sauce ingredients and boil until liquid is reduced by half.
• Slice each breast into 4 pieces, drizzle sauce over chicken, and serve.

STUFFED CHICKEN BREAST WITH GOAT CHEESE, BASIL, AND A MUSHROOM SAUCE (FEATURING MEREDITH DAIRY)

Steps:

• In a small bowl, cream together the Meredith Dairy marinated sheep and goat cheese, basil, thyme, a few shakes of salt and some pepper. (The goat cheese is easier to mix and spread at room temperature).
• Pound the chicken breasts and spread half of the cheese mixture onto half of each breast as shown.
• Fold the ends in, then start rolling at the long end to form a cylinder.
• Tie with kitchen string or use toothpicks to secure the breasts. I've used both successfully, but the toothpicks can sometimes be more difficult to remove.
• Next, put the flour, egg and breadcrumbs (add some salt and pepper to the these) into shallow pans or dishes. Roll in flour, dip in egg, and then in breadcrumbs.
• Pre-heat the oven to 350˚F (175˚C) then heat 2 or 3 tablespoons of the oil from the Meredith Dairy jar in a cast iron skillet or other oven-proof pan.
• When hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and brown all over. (NOTE: the chicken only needs to be browned on the outside, not thoroughly cooked, as we'll finish it off in the oven next.)
• Turn the burner off and put the cast iron pan into the oven for about 15 or 20 minutes. (While the chicken is in the oven, make the mushroom cream sauce.) Allow to cool for about 5 minutes then move to a wooden board.
• Put the oil and butter in a saute pan, then add the sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 6 minutes, then add a splash or two of white wine and salt and pepper.
• Cook for another 3 or 4 minutes then add the cream.
• Stir well and when it just starts to simmer, remove the pan from the heat and add 1 or 2 Tbsp of butter and swirl around. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Pour into a serving dish and keep warm.
• Remove the string and cut the stuffed chicken breast into 1/2 inch slices with a sharp knife. Arrange slices on a plate and serve with your desired sides, such as roast potatoes and a vegetable or salad. Adorn with a sprig of basil or thyme.
• Pass the mushroom sauce separately for guests to serve themselves.

SPINACH GOATS CHEESE AND PESTO STUFFED CHICKEN BREAST WITH A LEM

Steps:

• Pound chicken breasts with a meat mallet until approximately the same thickness all over (about 1/4 inch.).
• Boil spinach until tender, drain and squeeze out all excess water. In a bowl combine spinach with goats cheese until well mixed.
• Spread 2 teaspoons pesto over the inside of each breast to cover completely. Spread spinach mix down the centre of each breast lengthwise. Cut each tomato into 4 slices and place slices on top of spinach to run the length of breast. (1 Tomato per breast.).
• Fold breast over to cover filling and wrap 2 slices of prosciutto around each breast to secure.
• Lightly oil the bottom of a baking dish and place breasts inside. Bake breast in pre-heated oven 180c for 45-50 Min's or until chicken is cooked through. (cooking times will vary according to the thickness of breast.).
• For The Sauce:.
• Heat milk and chicken stock in a saucepan, mix cornflour with a little water, add to milk stir until mixture thickens slightly.
• Add Dijon, lemon juice and wine stir to combine, Add cream, cayenne, parsley and pepper to taste. Heat sauce over medium heat until sauce has thickened.
• Note: You can leave sauce over a low heat, stirring from time to time, while chicken finishes cooking.
• To serve: Slice chicken in half, plate and drizzle with sauce.

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.

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.

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.

SPINACH AND CHEESE STUFFED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease 9×13 baking dish with some oil.
• In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder and 1/2 tsp. of salt, mix well and set aside.
• Place a chicken breast on a cutting board and carefully insert the tip of a sharp knife into the thickest part of the chicken breast. Cut an opening about 4 inches wide to create a pocket without cutting all the way through.
• Pour the prepared rub all over the chicken and using your clean hands generously rub on all sides and inside of the pocket. Refrigerate and let marinate until ready to use.
• While the chicken is marinating, prepare the cheese filling.
• In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, spinach, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then mix until well combined.
• Remove the chicken breast from the refrigerator and stuff each breast with the cheese mixture. Secure the pockets with a toothpick, if needed.
• Place the stuffed breast into the prepared dish and bake for 25 minutes until chicken is nicely golden brown, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. Alternatively, you can cook it on the stovetop.
• Remove the toothpicks and serve warm. Enjoy!

POACHED CHICKEN BREAST STUFFED WITH GOAT CHEESE AND SPINACH

Steps:

• Make filling:
• Heat the oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook gently for 15-20 seconds, being careful not to let it color.
• Add the stock and immediately put the spinach in on top of it. Cook, stirring quickly, because the spinach will cook down rapidly. Season with salt and pepper. Continue to cook for about 1 minute, then remove from the heat and spread out on a cookie sheet to cool.
• When cool, transfer to a mixing bowl and gently combine with the goat cheese.Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
• If making in advance, store in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
• Make and assemble chicken:
• Cover the chicken breasts, 1 at a time, with a sheet of plastic wrap and gently pound to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Season with salt and pepper.
• Lay each breast in the center of a clean 12 x 18- or 20-inch piece of plastic wrap.
• Place one-fourth of the cooled prepared filling in the center of each breast.
• Wrap the plastic tightly around the breast and roll up the ends, turning tighter and tighter until the breast is in a cylindrical shape; take care to keep the plastic wrap tight around the roll.
• Once the cylinder is formed, continue to twist the ends tightly until they are well sealed. Set aside and repeat with the other 3 breasts.
• If making in advance, the stuffed chicken breasts can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to several days. When ready to proceed, allow to come to room temperature.
• To cook the chicken breasts, set a large pot of water over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer. Carefully place the wrapped chicken breasts in the water and poach for 15-16 minutes.
• Remove the chicken breasts with tongs and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
• Carefully remove the plastic, using a sharp knife for scissors. Cut the chicken on a bias into 1/2-inch-thick slices and serve.

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 Tbsp (30 mL) 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°F (190°C) oven until chicken is cooked through and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• 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; sauté 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.