Is goat cheese a healthy cheese?

Goat cheese contains less fat and fewer calories. It is also better for those who are lactose-intolerant.

What does goat cheese taste like?

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!

What are substitutes for goat cheese?

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!

Grilled Chicken with Goat Cheese and Basil Vinaigrette

Name: Grilled Chicken with Goat Cheese and Basil Vinaigrette
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 2/3 c olive oil; 1/2 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

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

Units Scale

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

2/3 c olive oil

1/2 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

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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.