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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F), positioning rack in central position for even heat distribution.
- Skin Technique: Delicately separate chicken breast skin from meat, keeping one edge attached, creating a gentle pocket for flavor infusion.
- Flavor Layering: Strategically place thin goat cheese slices and fresh basil leaves inside the skin pocket, ensuring even coverage and maximum taste integration.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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