Ina Garten Chicken With Goat Cheese And Basil Recipe

This Ina Garten Chicken With Goat Cheese And Basil is a fresh and elegant recipe, which includes creamy goat cheese and fragrant basil. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, ready in just 35 minutes.

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Ina Garten Chicken With Goat Cheese And Basil Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 ounces fresh goat cheese (chèvre), sliced into 4 rounds
• 4 large fresh basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
• Optional garnish: lemon wedges or additional basil

How To Make Ina Garten Chicken With Goat Cheese And Basil

1. Preheat the oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a baking dish or sheet pan.
2. Season the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry, drizzle with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Roast the chicken: Arrange chicken in the baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
4. Top with cheese and basil: Remove from oven. Immediately top each breast with one basil leaf and a goat cheese round. Let cheese soften from the chicken’s heat. Sprinkle with lemon zest.
5. Serve warm: Plate the chicken and drizzle with pan juices. Garnish with lemon wedges or extra basil if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use flavored goat cheese? Yes, herbed or garlic goat cheese works beautifully.
• How to prevent dry chicken: Don’t overbake. Check temperature at 20 minutes for doneness.
• Can I grill instead of bake? Yes, grill the chicken, then add toppings off-heat before serving.
• How to make it dairy-free: Omit the cheese or substitute with a dairy-free alternative.
• Best basil substitute: Try arugula or spinach for a peppery or earthy twist.

What To Serve With Chicken and Goat Cheese

This simple yet refined dish pairs well with:

• Roasted or mashed potatoes
• Steamed asparagus or green beans
• Lemon orzo or rice pilaf
• Mixed greens with vinaigrette
• Crusty bread with olive oil

How To Store Chicken With Goat Cheese

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.

Freeze: Freeze chicken without the goat cheese topping for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat, then add fresh toppings before serving.

Chicken With Goat Cheese Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~330
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 100mg
• Sodium: 420mg
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Calcium: 60mg
• Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes used.

FAQs

Can I prep this dish in advance?
Yes, season the chicken and prepare toppings ahead. Bake just before serving.

Is goat cheese too strong in flavor?
Goat cheese has a tangy taste—use less or mix with cream cheese for a milder option.

Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, adjust cooking time as thighs may take longer.

How to make it more lemony?
Add lemon juice or lemon slices before baking.

Can I make this for a crowd?
Yes, double or triple the recipe and use a sheet pan to bake all at once.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Eggplant Lasagna Recipe
• Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe
• Ina Garten Chicken Stew And Biscuits Recipe