Name: Crispy Chicken with Goat Cheese & Sun Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, fresh, not frozen; Olive oil, for drizzling; Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste; Non-stick spray, for baking sheet; 5 ounce goat cheese log, softened by pulling out of the fridge 20 minutes early; ½ cup mayonnaise; ⅓ cup sun dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped; 1 plump garlic clove, minced; 1 teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; Black pepper, to taste; 1 cup panko bread crumbs; 2 tablespoon mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Pinch of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes

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If you are looking for a deliciously satisfying dinner that ticks all the boxes—flavorful, hearty, and with just the right amount of crunch—this Crispy Chicken with Goat Cheese & Sun Dried Tomatoes Recipe is an absolute winner. Tender chicken breasts are lovingly stuffed with a luscious goat cheese filling blended with tangy sun dried tomatoes and savory herbs, then baked to golden perfection with a crisp panko topping that adds irresistible texture. This dish brings together creamy, tangy, and bright flavors with a satisfying crunch that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two large thin pieces of raw chicken with a pale pink color, some light white veins, and a slight shine lay flat on a white cutting board with a green rim. The chicken pieces have an uneven texture with some parts thinner and more translucent than others. The cutting board rests on a beige surface with a rough look. To the right side, a white cloth is casually placed next to an old metal meat fork with a wooden handle. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Crispy Chicken with Goat Cheese & Sun Dried Tomatoes Recipe lies in its simple yet superb ingredients. Each element contributes something special, from the creamy tang of goat cheese to the vibrant punch of sun dried tomatoes, finished with a crunchy panko topping that seals all the flavors in with a perfect golden crust.

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Fresh and pounded thin for even cooking and easy rolling.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps crisp the outside perfectly.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors.
Non-stick spray: Ensures your chicken doesn’t stick and the crust crisps nicely.
5 ounces goat cheese log: Softened for smooth mixing, this is the creamy heart of the filling.
½ cup mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness both in the filling and the panko topping.
⅓ cup sun dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped: Brings sweet yet tangy bursts of flavor to the filling.
1 plump garlic clove, minced: Gives a subtle kick that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Herbs infuse a fragrant, savory note into both filling and topping.
½ teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper: Season the filling for balanced taste.
1 cup panko bread crumbs: Creates that irresistible crispy crust everyone will love.
2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Helps the panko topping brown beautifully and stick to the chicken.
Pinch of red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle hint of spice to the crunchy topping.

How to Make Crispy Chicken with Goat Cheese & Sun Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by gently pounding your boneless skinless chicken breasts to about ¼ inch thickness. This helps them cook evenly and makes rolling them with the filling much easier. If you butterfly the breasts first, then pound, you’ll find they layer nicely without tearing. Set the flattened chicken aside while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Goat Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, mayonnaise, chopped sun dried tomatoes, minced garlic, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is creamy and smooth with no clumps of cheese remaining. This rich mixture is where the delicious tang and texture of the stuffing come to life.

Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Rolls

Spoon a few generous dollops of the goat cheese filling over about three-quarters of each flattened chicken breast. Then, carefully roll each breast over the filling like a burrito, trying to tuck everything inside. Don’t worry if it gets a little messy—this is just part of the fun! Place the rolls seam side down on a foil-lined baking sheet sprayed with non-stick spray. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top and season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor and help the crust crisp up beautifully.

Step 4: Bake and Add Crunchy Topping

Pop the chicken rolls into the oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, mix together the panko bread crumbs, mayonnaise, dried basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl until the mayo evenly coats all the crumbs. After the initial baking time, remove the chicken and pile a generous amount of the panko topping on each breast. Return to the oven and bake for 10 to 15 more minutes until the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown and crispy, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Let it Rest

Once out of the oven, let your chicken rest for about five minutes. This is key to preserving the juicy interior and letting the flavors settle. When plating, be sure to scoop up any ooey-gooey cheesy and crispy golden bits that might have spilled out during cooking—these are pure magic!

How to Serve Crispy Chicken with Goat Cheese & Sun Dried Tomatoes Recipe

The image shows three pieces of baked chicken on a baking tray with parchment paper. Each piece has three layers: the bottom layer is the juicy white chicken, the middle layer is melted light yellow cheese, and the top layer is a thick, crispy, golden brown crumb topping with green herbs mixed in. The crumb topping looks crunchy with some darker toasted spots, and there are small black pepper specks on the chicken. Some melted cheese and browned crumbs are around the base of the chicken pieces on the parchment paper. The background has a soft focus with a white marbled texture visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate presentation and add a fresh contrast, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh basil or parsley over the chicken. A light drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavors, while a few sun dried tomato pieces scattered on top tie the dish visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides: roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad all complement the rich and tangy chicken well. For a Mediterranean twist, serve alongside couscous or a quinoa salad dotted with cucumbers and olives.

Creative Ways to Present

For a unique twist, slice each chicken roll into rounds and stack them artfully on the plate, showcasing the colorful filling. You can also serve the chicken whole and let guests slice their own portions, making for a rustic yet elegant dinner experience. Pair with vibrant sauces like a roasted red pepper coulis or basil pesto for an extra flavor pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Ensure leftover chicken is stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. It should keep well for up to three days. Make sure to separate any crispy topping if possible to preserve some crunch on reheating.

Freezing

This Crispy Chicken with Goat Cheese & Sun Dried Tomatoes Recipe also freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Wrap each chicken roll tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat without losing the crisp texture, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the panko topping soggy. If you have separated the topping, sprinkle it back on towards the end of reheating to regain crunch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh chicken breasts for this dish to ensure even pounding and rolling. If you only have frozen, be sure to thaw completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture that can prevent the crust from crisping properly.

What type of goat cheese works best?

A soft, creamy goat cheese log is ideal because it mixes smoothly with the other filling ingredients. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before mixing to make blending easier.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the goat cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use a vegan mayonnaise. Keep in mind this will slightly alter the flavor but the dish will still be delicious and packed with texture.

How can I make the topping extra crunchy?

Using panko bread crumbs is key as they are lighter and crisp up better than regular crumbs. Mixing them with mayonnaise helps them brown beautifully. For even more crunch, toast the panko lightly in a pan before mixing with mayo.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just add the crunchy topping and bake when ready to serve for a wonderfully fresh, last-minute dinner.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Chicken with Goat Cheese & Sun Dried Tomatoes Recipe is one of those dishes that truly feels like a special treat, yet it’s so simple to make. From the creamy goat cheese and zesty sun dried tomatoes inside to the satisfyingly crispy panko topping, every bite offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. I can’t wait for you to try it and share that same excitement with your loved ones around the dinner table!

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