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One Skillet Lemon Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken and Spring Orzo

Bright and tangy chicken with orzo loaded with spring vegetables is the ideal one skillet meal!
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

ingredients

  • 4 oz goat cheese crumbles
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/4 tsp salt plus more for seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper plus more for seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced or grated
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 bunch kale stalks removed and roughly chopped
  • 2 cup chopped asparagus cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 cup frozen peas thawed and drained
  • Lemon wedges for serving

instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425˚F.
  • In a small bowl, stir together goat cheese, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Set aside.
  • Slice the chicken through the middle horizontally, leaving about 1/2-inch on the other side. Open the two sides like a book. Spread goat cheese mixture evenly on one side of each breast, dividing evenly between the four. Close the empty side over the filling. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Once hot, adding chicken and sear on both sides until browned, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Be careful when you flip the breasts over, making sure they stay together as you turn them. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
  • Add butter to the skillet with garlic and orzo. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is toasted. Stir in chicken broth, kale, asparagus, and balsamic vinegar. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Stir in peas. Add chicken back to the skillet, nestling each breast into the mixture.
  • Place in the oven on the middle rack. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and registers 165˚F on a thermometer inserted into the meat.
  • Serve chicken with lemon wedges.
Cuisine: Spring
Category: Poultry