Are you craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner? Look no further! This Chicken and Goat Cheese recipe is your answer. It's a perfect blend of savory chicken, creamy goat cheese, and vibrant vegetables, all coming together in a surprisingly simple dish. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this easy recipe will become a weeknight favorite. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this delicious and satisfying meal!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 2-3 people and can easily be scaled up or down.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the red onion and garlic and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until softened.
Step 3: Cooking the Chicken
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
Step 4: Adding the Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the tomatoes are slightly softened.
Step 5: Incorporating the Goat Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the crumbled goat cheese. Cook until the goat cheese is melted and creamy, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Step 6: Serving
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired. This dish is fantastic on its own or served over pasta, rice, or quinoa.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Vegetable variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Cheese alternatives: Feta cheese or even a milder cream cheese can be substituted for the goat cheese, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 30-35g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This delicious and healthy Chicken and Goat Cheese recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to please everyone. Enjoy!