Chicken Breast Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Olives

By Joanne Weir
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great starting point for a simple weeknight dinner. But, when you remove the skin from the chicken, lots of flavor is lost. This assertive mix of fresh goat cheese, briney black olives, and fresh-from-the-garden oregano, flat-leaf parsley, and thyme really enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Course: Dinner
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INGREDIENTS

  • Boneless
  • skinless chicken breast halves
  • Chicken Stock
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • fresh goat cheese
  • fresh oregano
  • garlic clove
  • imported black olives
  • such as kalamata or niçoise
  • red pepper flakes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • white wine
  • Whole milk

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a small bowl, mash together the goat cheese and milk until smooth. Add the garlic, parsley, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Mix in the olives and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  2. On the thickest side of each chicken breast, cut a deep, 3-inch-long pocket. Using your fingers, stuff the goat cheese mixture into each pocket. Close by pressing the flesh together and secure with a toothpick, if necessary.
  3. In a covered deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Have ready a lid that is too small for the pan, but will cover all the breasts. Cook the chicken on 1 side until golden brown, 4-5 minutes. Turn the breasts, season with salt and pepper, and set the small lid on top of the chicken in the pan. Continue to cook until the chicken is cooked through, 4-5 minutes more.
  4. Transfer the chicken to a warm serving platter. Pour the wine into the pan and cook, scraping up the flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Cook until the wine has reduced by about 1/2, 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken stock, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the sauce is reduced to a glossy syrup, about 1 minute.
  5. Drizzle the reduction over the chicken and serve.