Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Serves: 6

Time: 45 mins

Active: 30 mins

Level: Advanced

INGREDIENTS

4 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

5 ounces goat cheese

2 tsp. unsalted butter

1 ½ tsp. minced chives

1 tsp. minced parsley leaves

¼ tsp. minced thyme

¼ tsp. fresh lemon juice

¼ tsp. minced garlic

Salt

Pepper

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon cajun spice mix or Emeril’s Essence

1 large egg

2 tsp. water

¼ cup vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

With a chicken breast flat on a cutting board, using a sharp knife, about 1/3 of the way down the thick side, cut a deep pocket horizontally into the center of the meat about 3/4 of the way down, being careful not to cut through to the other side. (The pocket will be about 2 1/2 inches long and 1 1/2 to 2 inches deep.) Repeat with the remaining breasts. Wash hands well.

In a small bowl, mash together the goat cheese, butter, chives, parsley, thyme, lemon juice and garlic. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Divide into 4 equal pieces and form plugs to fit inside the chicken breasts. Insert 1 into each breast and press the edges of chicken meat to seal. Lightly season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

In a large shallow bowl, combine the flour and the Essence. In another bowl, beat the egg with the water.

One at a time, lightly dust the chicken on both sides with the flour, then dip in the egg, shaking to remove any excess. Place again in the flour and turn to completely coat, shaking to remove any excess. Set aside.

In a large, oven-proof skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Place the pan in the oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through, 7 to 10 minutes.

Remove from the oven and serve immediately.