Grilled chicken with goat cheese and basil vinaigrette is something I've been making for years. This simple recipe was probably part of the California food movement many years ago, and it's still one I love today!
I don't know about you but I always rely on chicken and this easy and tasty grilled goat cheese chicken recipe is one of my faves.
Years ago I remember when goat cheese was just starting to appear in markets and there were many who did not like it.
I think times have changed which is a good thing in my opinion. There are so many great varieties of goat cheese and in this chicken with goat cheese recipe they can be very interchangeable.
One of my favorite recipes using goat cheese are my stuffed poblanos.
This brie and blue cheese savory unbaked cheesecake also contains goat cheese. It's a gorgeous winner at any party!
Table of contents
Want To Know More About Goat Cheese?
Goat cheese contains less fat and fewer calories. It is also better for those who are lactose-intolerant.
Goat cheese is tangy and somewhat tart. It is also creamy, making it perfect for this recipe. Goat cheese varieties can taste quite different from each other. It all depends on the goat's diet and the process the cheesemaker used. Find one you like!
Feta cheese, which can also be made with goat's milk, is a good substitute as is ricotta, cream cheese or boursin. It really depends on what the recipe is!
Why Grilled Chicken and Goat Cheese with Basil Rocks!
This simple chicken recipe with a citrus marinade is easy to make.
The addition of goat cheese creates almost a sauce for the chicken breast.
The tangy flavor of the cheese and the fresh leaves of basil turn this easy recipe into an extra-special one.
On an ordinary weeknight this chicken recipe makes everyone think you went to a lot of work-but we know the truth!
And company will rave over this recipe because it tastes so good!
Ingredient Tips: Chicken with Basil and Goat Cheese
Though this recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts it can also be made with skin-on boneless chicken breasts.
Ina Garten's recipe for boneless chicken with goat cheese and basil uses skin-on chicken breasts. Frankly, I prefer skin-on breasts, but find them very hard to find. Leaving the skin on not only adds flavor, it adds moisture too.
The Barefoot Contessa bakes her chicken breasts which also works, but in the summer I love the taste and aroma of grilled chicken.
Can other herbs be substituted? Absolutely! Fresh basil leaves are wonderful, but try stirring in fresh thyme or chives into the goat cheese. Fresh sage leaves would also be delicious for a Fall twist. In that case, I'd pour brown butter with sage over the top! Truly any fresh herb works!
Can the goat cheese be substituted? Of course! Goat cheese comes in so many flavors so find your fave. Feel free to use feta or Boursin. Chicken and goat cheese recipes can have so many variables!
Making Basil Vinaigrette
Basil vinaigrette is very similar to basil pesto except this recipe has balsamic vinegar.
This simple basil balsamic vinaigrette can also be made in a food processor. Add all the ingredients except for the oil. Puree.
Then with the motor running, slowly drizzle in the oil until an emulsion is formed.
I love using my immersion blender because that way I don't have to get out my heavy food processor. Use what is easiest for you.
Basil vinaigrette is also perfect on lettuce, drizzled over fish or shrimp, tomato salad, and here's a secret...
If you don't want to make your own basil dressing take some basil pesto and stir some balsamic vinegar into the pesto and voila-basil vinaigrette.
But to be honest-using fresh basil to make your own is the best! And it makes the kitchen smell so good!
What to Serve with Grilled Goat Cheese Basil Chicken
I served this last week over a bed of leftover veggies. It was delish!
To a giant leftover baked potato, which I browned in olive oil, I added 2 ears of sliced off the cob corn, and some diced red and yellow peppers.
Towards the end of cooking I stirred in 2 minced garlic cloves, a handful of garlic chives and some chopped Italian parsley.
Then just for good measure I added a tablespoon of butter for flavor. And don't forget to salt!
Other options include rice, pasta, orzo, cous cous or quinoa.
Serving this over a bed of greens wouldn't disappoint anyone either!
And last night I served the leftover slices of chicken on a sandwich with garlic aioli, lettuce and tomatoes. No need to add cheese as it's already there!
Hope this gives you some inspiration on how to jazz up your chicken.
But either way this grilled chicken with goat cheese and basil vinaigrette is good just the way it is!
I'd love to hear if you make this recipe!
Please share a review or rate the recipe,
and be sure to tag me on social!
Recipe
Grilled Chicken with Goat Cheese and Basil Vinaigrette
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 10 Minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 -6 Servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake/Grill
- Cuisine: American
Description
The simple chicken breast is elevated with goat cheese and basil. Easy enough for a week night but perfect for a dinner party. The basil vinaigrette can also be used on greens but is perfect drizzled on chicken. Basil and chicken are a match made in heaven!
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
2 T lemon juice or orange juice
2 T lime juice
2 T olive oil
4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
6 ounces goat cheese or Boursin, chilled
Basil leaves
Salt, pepper, garlic powder
Cooking Spray or olive oil
Basil Vinaigrette
⅔ c olive oil
½ c packed fresh basil leaves
2 T balsamic vinegar
2 T lemon juice
2 T toasted pine nuts or walnuts
2 T Parmesan cheese grated
1 -2 garlic cloves
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
Make ingredients for marinade in a zip lock bag. With a small, sharp knife cut a deep horizontal pocket in the thickest side of the chicken breast. Place in marinade and allow to marinate about 15 minutes at room temperature. (I prefer lemon juice in this recipe but I was out so I used orange juice instead.)
Place all of the vinaigrette ingredients in a large measuring cup. Use an immersion blender to puree until dressing is fairly smooth.
Preheat grill until very hot. Stuff the pocket in the chicken breast with goat cheese. Place fresh basil leaves inside each pocket and pat the breasts to distribute the goat cheese evenly. Pinch closed. Season chicken with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Spray with cooking spray on both sides or brush with olive oil.
Grill until cooked through and golden brown-4-5 minutes per side. Remove from grill and cover lightly with foil for about 5 minutes so the chicken is nice and juicy and the cheese has a chance to set. Drizzle with vinaigrette before serving.
This chicken is also great served at room temperature!
Notes
Most chicken breasts are so large, that I slice them before serving.
Chicken breasts can also be baked in a preheated 375 degree oven for about 30 minutes.
More Recipes With Goat Cheese
Purple Kale Salad with Blueberry Lime Vinaigrette
Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed With Goat Cheese
Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Goat Cheese
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