This Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cranberries and Goat Cheese is an elegant yet simple dinner that looks gourmet but comes together in under an hour. Juicy chicken is filled with creamy goat cheese, sweet-tart cranberries, and fresh herbs, then baked to golden perfection. It’s the perfect recipe for holidays, special occasions, or a cozy family meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Stuffed chicken breast recipes are popular because they combine flavor and presentation without requiring complicated steps. This version stands out thanks to:
- Flavor Balance: Creamy goat cheese, sweet cranberries, and savory chicken create a restaurant-quality flavor profile.
- Nutritional Value: Packed with protein and nutrients, this dish is both satisfying and wholesome.
- Versatility: Serve it for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or even date nights at home.
- Ease of Preparation: A few simple steps are all it takes to prepare a dish that looks and tastes gourmet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To prepare stuffed chicken breast with cranberries and goat cheese, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries (or fresh if available)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine for sealing
- Optional garnish: fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix goat cheese, cranberries, chopped herbs, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
- Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally to create a pocket.
- Spoon the cheese mixture into each pocket and seal with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the chicken in a hot skillet 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest 5 minutes, remove toothpicks/twine, garnish with fresh herbs or balsamic glaze, and serve.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Chicken
- Use softened goat cheese: It blends more easily with herbs and cranberries.
- Don’t overstuff: Too much filling can cause the chicken to burst open while cooking.
- Secure well: Toothpicks or twine help keep the filling inside.
- Check doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
- Pair with roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts.
- Serve alongside wild rice, couscous, or mashed potatoes.
- Add a simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette for balance.
- Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, though chicken thighs are smaller, so you may need to adjust filling amounts and cooking time.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can stuff the chicken and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking.
What can I substitute for goat cheese?
Feta or cream cheese works well as an alternative.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, replace goat cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese substitute.
Ready to Try It?
Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cranberries and Goat Cheese is a flavorful, elegant dish that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or festive occasions and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. With its balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors, this recipe is sure to impress your family and guests.
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Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cranberries and Goat Cheese
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with creamy goat cheese, dried cranberries, and fresh herbs, baked until golden and tender. A festive and elegant dinner recipe.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup goat cheese, softened
1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Cut a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
3. In a bowl, combine goat cheese, cranberries, parsley, and thyme until well mixed.
4. Stuff each chicken breast with the cheese mixture and secure with toothpicks.
5. Brush chicken with olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
7. Remove toothpicks before serving.
Notes
You can substitute feta cheese for goat cheese if desired.
For extra flavor, add a touch of orange zest to the stuffing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg