Description
Ina Garten’s chicken with goat cheese and basil delivers Mediterranean-inspired elegance to dinner tables. Succulent chicken breasts meet tangy goat cheese and fragrant basil, creating a simple yet sophisticated dish that transports diners to Italian countryside kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 boneless chicken breasts, skin on
- 225 to 280 grams (8 to 10 ounces) garlic-and-herb goat cheese (e.g., Montrachet)
Herbs:
- 6 large fresh basil leaves
Seasonings and Oil:
- Good olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Warm the culinary chamber to 190°C (375°F), ensuring precise temperature for optimal cooking conditions.
- Arrange chicken breasts on a spacious baking sheet, delicately separating the skin from underlying meat while maintaining one edge connected.
- Craft flavor layers by meticulously slicing goat cheese into approximately 1.5 centimeters (0.6 inches) thick portions, then gently nestle individual cheese slices alongside plump fresh basil leaves beneath the loosened chicken skin.
- Carefully realign skin to completely encase cheese and basil, creating a protective flavorful barrier. Massage exterior with premium olive oil, then liberally distribute kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper across the surface.
- Transfer prepared chicken into preheated oven, allowing culinary transformation for 35 to 40 minutes. Monitor until skin achieves a golden-bronze complexion and internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F), confirming complete protein doneness.
- Present the aromatic chicken either piping hot or at ambient temperature, inviting diners to savor the elegant herbed and cheese-infused protein.
Notes
- Gently loosen the chicken skin to create a pocket for maximum flavor infusion. This technique allows the goat cheese and basil to spread evenly and keep the meat incredibly moist.
- Prioritize fresh basil for an aromatic and vibrant taste experience. Dried herbs simply cannot match the bright, herbaceous quality of freshly chopped basil leaves.
- Select premium garlic-and-herb goat cheese to elevate the entire dish. High-quality cheese transforms an ordinary recipe into something truly spectacular.
- Liberally season with salt and pepper to unlock deep, complex flavors. Proper seasoning brings out the natural richness of the chicken and filling.
- Watch cooking time carefully to prevent dry meat. The perfect chicken is just cooked through, maintaining a juicy and tender texture that melts in your mouth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 185.7 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg