Imagine a dish that combines the tangy richness of balsamic vinegar, the creamy decadence of goat cheese, and perfectly seared chicken breasts - a culinary masterpiece that transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience. This Balsamic Chicken with Goat Cheese is not just a recipe; it's a flavor explosion that will have your family and friends begging for seconds, wondering how you became such an incredible home chef!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until oil is shimmering and hot.
- Place chicken breasts into the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, ensuring they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a clean plate, covering loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, pour balsamic vinegar and reduce heat to medium-low, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer balsamic vinegar for 3-4 minutes until it becomes slightly thickened and syrupy.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon balsamic reduction over each breast.
- Crumble goat cheese evenly over the chicken breasts, allowing it to slightly melt from the heat.
- Serve immediately, drizzling any remaining balsamic reduction over the chicken.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a beautiful golden-brown crust that seals in all the juicy flavors.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature - 165°F is the magic number for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat chicken.
- Let the balsamic reduction develop slowly over medium-low heat to concentrate its sweetness and create a glossy, syrup-like consistency.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary when reducing the balsamic vinegar.
- Choose a high-quality, aged balsamic vinegar for a more complex and rich flavor profile in your reduction.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to help redistribute the juices, ensuring each bite is moist and tender.
- The goat cheese should be added just before serving to get a slight melt without completely breaking down its creamy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
