Imagine a dish that combines the tangy richness of goat cheese, the sweet-tart burst of pomegranate seeds, and perfectly seared chicken in one mouthwatering masterpiece. This Pomegranate Goat Cheese Chicken isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary dining experience. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet meal, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and tantalize your palate with every single bite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps in achieving a nice sear.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step locks in the juices and adds flavor.
- Once the chicken is seared, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the balsamic vinegar to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This will create a flavorful base for the dish.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, and sprinkle the pomegranate seeds evenly over them. Crumble the goat cheese on top of the chicken and pomegranate seeds.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- To serve, plate the chicken breasts and spoon any remaining pomegranate seeds and goat cheese from the skillet over the top. Enjoy your Pomegranate Goat Cheese Chicken!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe and juicy results.
- Searing Secrets: Pat chicken breasts completely dry before searing to achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Cheese Crumbling Technique: Crumble goat cheese while it's slightly cold for more precise and even distribution.
- Pomegranate Pro Tip: If fresh pomegranate seeds aren't available, high-quality frozen seeds work wonderfully.
- Skillet Selection: Use an oven-safe cast-iron or stainless steel skillet for even heat distribution and beautiful presentation.
- Resting Matters: Always let your chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain maximum juiciness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 105mg
