Balsamic Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Recipe View 5 mins Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View 16 mins Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Pour balsamic vinegar into the skillet and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until the balsamic vinegar mixture has reduced by half and thickened slightly, about 10-12 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly. (Cook time: 15-17 minutes)

Recipe View 5 mins Carefully cut each chicken breast horizontally, creating a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open the chicken like a book. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View 8 mins Spread half of the softened goat cheese evenly onto one side of each chicken breast. Drizzle approximately one-third of the balsamic reduction over the goat cheese. Close the chicken breasts and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine. (Assembly time: 8 minutes)

Recipe View 2 mins Arrange stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish. Drizzle with the remaining balsamic reduction. (Prep time: 2 minutes)

Recipe View 33 mins Bake in the preheated oven until the chicken is cooked through, the filling is hot, and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. An instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the center of a filled breast should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), approximately 30-35 minutes. (Cook time: 30-35 minutes)

Recipe View Remove toothpicks or twine before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.