Quick Barefoot Contessa’s Chicken With Goat Cheese And Basil Recipe

Succulent chicken breasts dance with tangy goat cheese and vibrant basil in this mouthwatering Barefoot Contessa chicken with goat cheese and basil recipe that promises to elevate your dinner game.

Fresh herbs and creamy cheese create a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of richness and brightness.

Ina Garten’s style shines through in this elegant yet approachable dish.

The combination of simple ingredients transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners or special occasions suddenly feel more luxurious with this impressive recipe.

Get ready to impress everyone at the table with this delectable culinary masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Chicken With Goat Cheese And Basil

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, boneless cuts that provide a lean and succulent canvas for delightful flavor infusion, selecting fresh, high-quality pieces ensures optimal taste and juiciness.

• Goat Cheese: Creamy, tangy cheese that melts beautifully beneath chicken skin, offering a luxurious texture and rich Mediterranean-inspired taste.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Aromatic herb that brings vibrant, peppery brightness and a stunning green accent to the dish, choosing bright green and fragrant leaves guarantees maximum flavor.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, golden liquid that helps crisp the skin and adds a subtle fruity undertone, selecting extra virgin variety enhances overall dish quality.
• Salt: Essential mineral that amplifies natural chicken flavors, using sea salt or kosher salt provides deeper taste complexity.
• Black Pepper: Warm, spicy seasoning that adds gentle heat and depth, freshly ground pepper offers more intense and robust flavor profile.

Tools Needed for Barefoot Contessa Chicken With Goat Cheese And Basil

• Sheet Pan: Large, flat baking tray for roasting chicken evenly.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing goat cheese cleanly and precisely.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients safely.
• Fingers: Perfect tool for gently loosening chicken skin without tearing.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for seasoning chicken with accurate salt and pepper amounts.
• Oven Mitts: Protect hands when handling hot sheet pan and removing chicken from oven.

Instructions for Making Barefoot Contessa Chicken With Goat Cheese And Basil

Goat Cheese Chicken Sensation

• Skin Separation A gentle touch separates chicken skin from meat, creating a delicate pocket for flavor hiding. Use fingertips to carefully loosen skin without tearing, leaving one edge connected.
• Cheese and Herb Magic Soft goat cheese and fresh basil leaves transform ordinary chicken into a gourmet adventure. Tuck creamy cheese slices and vibrant basil leaves underneath the skin, creating a surprise inside each bite.
• Flavor Enhancement Massage olive oil over the chicken's surface, allowing it to glisten. Sprinkle sea salt and cracked pepper generously, ensuring every inch receives seasoning love.
• Oven Performance Slide the prepared chicken into a preheated oven at 190°C. Let the heat work its magic, turning skin golden and crispy while melting cheese into a luscious filling.
• Perfect Finale After 35-40 minutes, remove chicken when skin turns beautiful bronze and meat feels tender. Let the dish rest briefly, allowing flavors to settle and juices to redistribute. Serve warm and watch faces light up with excitement.

Flavor Tips & Variations for Barefoot Contessa Chicken With Goat Cheese And Basil

• Replace goat cheese with creamy feta, tangy blue cheese, or mild mozzarella for unique flavor profiles that complement the basil beautifully.
• Experiment with fresh herb combinations like thyme, rosemary, or oregano alongside basil to create layered aromatic dimensions in your chicken.
• Pat chicken breasts completely dry before adding oil to ensure incredibly crispy, golden-brown skin that delivers delightful texture contrast.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or za'atar under the skin for unexpected warmth and complexity that elevates the entire dish.
• Prepare chicken up to 24 hours in advance by prepping and refrigerating, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before baking for maximum deliciousness.

How to Serve Barefoot Contessa Chicken With Goat Cheese And Basil

• Pair With Fresh Salad: Create a crisp mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes and light vinaigrette to complement the creamy goat cheese and rich chicken flavors.
• Elegant Wine Companion: Select a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that balances the tangy goat cheese and herbaceous basil notes.
• Perfect Side Dish: Roast seasonal vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or baby potatoes to add color and nutrition alongside the succulent chicken.
• Garnish With Extra Herbs: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving to enhance the aromatic profile and add a vibrant finishing touch.

Storing & Meal Prep for Barefoot Contessa Chicken With Goat Cheese And Basil

• Store Wisely: Transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The goat cheese and basil will maintain their delicious flavor when properly sealed.
• Reheat Gently: Warm chicken in the oven at 160°C (325°F) for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out. Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture and protect the delicate skin from burning.
• Freeze Smartly: Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen chicken stays good for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken breasts ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. Perfect for quick lunches or dinner, these can be sliced and added to salads, sandwiches, or enjoyed as a standalone protein.

Elegant Barefoot Contessa Chicken With Goat Cheese And Basil Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa’s chicken with goat cheese and basil delivers classic Italian-inspired flavors that delight home cooks. Fresh herbs and creamy goat cheese elevate simple ingredients into an elegant meal you will savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 6 boneless chicken breasts (skin on)
• 8–10 oz (225–280 g) garlic-and-herb goat cheese (Montrachet)
• 6 large fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsps good olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F), positioning rack in central position for even heat distribution.
2. Skin Technique: Delicately separate chicken breast skin from meat, keeping one edge attached, creating a gentle pocket for flavor infusion.
3. Flavor Layering: Strategically place thin goat cheese slices and fresh basil leaves inside the skin pocket, ensuring even coverage and maximum taste integration.
4. Surface Seasoning: Smooth skin back into original position, sealing cheese and basil within. Drizzle olive oil across chicken surface, then generously sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
5. Thermal Transformation: Roast chicken in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, watching for golden-bronze skin coloration and confirming internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) using a reliable meat thermometer.
6. Serving Presentation: Remove from oven and allow minimal resting time. Plate chicken either steaming hot or at room temperature, showcasing the elegant herb and cheese-infused protein for an impressive culinary experience.

Notes

• Skin Separation Technique: Gently separate chicken skin from meat without tearing, creating a pocket for cheese and basil to enhance flavor and moisture.
• Cheese and Herb Placement: Position goat cheese slices and fresh basil leaves carefully under the skin to ensure even distribution and maximum taste infusion.
• Oil and Seasoning Tip: Use high-quality olive oil and generously season with kosher salt and black pepper to elevate the chicken’s overall flavor profile.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein without drying out.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg