Il Cucinologo
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Baked Chicken Pockets with Goat Cheese

17/11/2023

I can offer you an Italian version of baked chicken pockets with goat cheese. It is a simple but delicious dish, with the bold flavor of goat cheese that pairs perfectly with chicken. Here are the ingredients and preparation for 4 people.

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 150 g goat cheese (you can use the soft variety or a more aged one, according to your preference)
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
  • 1 garlic clove
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 sprig of rosemary (optional)
  • Lemon juice (to marinate the chicken, if desired)

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
  2. If you prefer, marinate the chicken breasts with a little lemon juice, salt and pepper for about 15-30 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix the goat cheese with the finely chopped chives, a pinch of salt and pepper, and the pressed garlic clove.
  4. Take the chicken breasts and make a horizontal incision to form a pocket in each one, being careful not to cut all the way through.
  5. Fill the pockets with the goat cheese and chives mixture.
  6. Close the pockets with toothpicks to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
  7. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a lightly oiled baking dish, drizzle with a little oil over the breasts, then season with salt and pepper to your taste.
  8. If desired, you can add a sprig of rosemary to the dish to further flavor the chicken.
  9. Bake the chicken breasts for about 20-25 minutes or until the meat is cooked and golden on the outside.

I always check the internal doneness of the chicken using a food thermometer; the safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 74 °C.

Curiosità

In Italy, the use of cheeses in main courses is very common, and goat cheese is particularly suitable for its fresh and slightly tangy notes, capable of contrasting the sweetness of the chicken. In addition, chives add a touch of freshness and color that pairs well with Mediterranean recipes.

This dish can be accompanied by a nice fresh salad or roasted vegetables to complete the meal. Enjoy your meal!