This Fig and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken brings together the sweet, earthy flavors of fresh figs and creamy goat cheese inside tender chicken breasts. It's perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Chicken breasts are the perfect canvas for stuffing, providing a lean protein that pairs well with rich fillings. Figs add a natural sweetness and a subtle earthiness that complements the creamy goat cheese. The cheese brings a tangy richness that melts beautifully when cooked. Fresh thyme and garlic add aromatic depth, while salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. A little olive oil helps to achieve a golden brown crust, and the optional balsamic glaze adds a sweet-tart finishing touch.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a light arugula salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens and citrus dressing balance out the richness of the chicken. A side of roasted baby potatoes also makes a great accompaniment, offering a comforting, hearty side.
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that's heating up, grab a bowl and combine your diced figs, crumbled goat cheese, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme leaves. This mixture is going to be your delicious filling, so give it a good mix to evenly distribute the flavors.
Next, take your chicken breasts and carefully cut a pocket into each one. Be cautious not to slice all the way through — you want them to hold the stuffing without it spilling out. Now, take that wonderful fig and cheese mixture and stuff each chicken breast, securing them with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep everything snugly inside.
Heat your olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This helps lock in the juices and adds a nice texture to the chicken.
Once seared, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Let the chicken bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fully cooked through. After baking, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender.
If you like, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the chicken before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
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