Description
Full-Recipe
In the 1st C-M-N-T
Enjoy
Full and Printable Recipe
: https://mmmrecipes.com/cranberry-goat-cheese-chicken…/
Chandler Sturgeon
This might be a good meal.
Meg Kovacs
sorry but yum!!
This looks delicious!!
Yum
I just made this last night and it was amazing !
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until a golden-brown crust forms. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
4. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet.
5. Top each chicken breast with a generous slice of creamy goat cheese (about 4 oz total).
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the goat cheese is soft and slightly melty.
7. Remove from oven. Spoon the pan sauce and cranberries over the chicken before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This elegant yet easy dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement its tangy and rich flavors. Serve it over a bed of fluffy quinoa, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttered egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus and green beans provide a fresh, crisp contrast. Garnish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley for a pop of color.
How-to Summary
Sear seasoned chicken breasts until golden. Create a quick pan sauce with cranberries, balsamic vinegar, and broth. Return chicken to the skillet, top with goat cheese, and bake until cooked through. Finish by spooning the reduced sauce over the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely. Bone-in, skin-on thighs would add more flavor; just increase the searing and baking time slightly to ensure they cook through.
What can I substitute for goat cheese? If goat cheese is too tangy, try Brie or creamy blue cheese. For a milder flavor, a herbed cream cheese spread works well.
How do I prevent the goat cheese from melting away completely? Use a cold, firm log of goat cheese and slice it, rather than crumbling. Placing it on the chicken just before baking helps it hold its shape.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can sear the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead. Store separately in the fridge. When ready, assemble with cheese and bake, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Is there a way to make the sauce thicker? After removing the baked chicken, place the skillet back on the stove. Simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes, or stir in a slurry of 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water until thickened.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not searing the chicken properly: Ensure the pan is hot before adding the chicken to get a good crust, which locks in juices and adds flavor.
- Overcooking the chicken: Use a meat thermometer. Baking past 165°F will result in dry, tough meat.
- Using pre-crumbled goat cheese: It often contains anti-caking agents and doesn’t melt as nicely. A log of fresh goat cheese is superior.
- Neglecting to deglaze the pan: Scraping up the browned bits (fond) when adding the liquid is crucial for building a deep, flavorful sauce.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Goat Cheese Chicken is a perfect example of how a few quality ingredients can create a restaurant-worthy meal at home. The combination of savory chicken, tangy cheese, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce is consistently impressive and surprisingly simple to master. As commenters like Meg and Chandler noted, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that looks and tastes delicious. Follow this guide, avoid the common pitfalls, and you’ll have a spectacular main course ready for any weeknight dinner or special occasion.
