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One Skillet Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken and Orzo, the perfect spring time dinner that’s quick, easy, and healthy…ish. Pan seared chicken breasts, stuffed with goat cheese, walnuts, basil, and honey. Cooked together with orzo pasta for a complete dinner made in just ONE skillet. There’s even some Tuscan kale thrown in for a pop of green. Truly one of those all in one dinners that just about everyone will love.
I know I talked about this yesterday, but I’m so excited that spring is here. To kick things off, I shared one of my all-time favorite cakes on Instagram yesterday. Ever since I’ve been in full on SPRING mode (and very ready for fresh strawberries). I can’t wait for Easter this year, and love that it’s late into April. Looking forward to carrot cake, quiches, fresh salads, and hopefully so much more.
I have about t-minus 10 days left of work on a major project with a major deadline – sorry there was no post on Tuesday! This is the first time in my “adult life” that I’ve fully realized I took on way more than a single person could manage. There’s no sugar-coating it, it’s been a tiring last few months, but tiring in both good and bad ways. I’m really so excited about everything we are working on, but balance (and delegating) are something I’m finding very difficult. Even though it’s been hard, I’m trying to learn with every day, and to work to make the next day better. Trying being the key word. Positivity is not my strongest trait, but I’m slowly working towards it. Good and bad days, but working on it!
Anyway, none of this has anything to do with today’s recipe, but I just kind of wanted to share a little of what’s happening behind the scenes.
Moving along to today’s recipe.
Yes, I am sharing another skillet recipe. I really hope you guys are as into these skillet recipes as I am. Because just when I think I couldn’t possibly come up with another, I do. And I love it just as much as the last one…maybe more, depending on the day.
To be honest, I am not sure quite where the inspiration for this recipe came from. I’d made a dish with walnuts and goat cheese the previous day and had the idea in my head that a goat cheese stuffed chicken could be really delicious. I’ve stuffed a whole roasted chicken with goat cheese before (recipe in the HBH cookbook), but never chicken breasts. And never with the combo of walnuts, basil, and honey. The combo sounded really good, so I decided to test it out. And while the first trial needed some tweaking, the flavors were spot on.
I wanted to keep this on the simple side. Now that it’s spring, it’s time simple quicker dishes, a little less time in the kitchen, and more time outside. Yes, I may be getting ahead of myself, but you know, wishful thinking.
The trickiest part about this recipe is stuffing the chicken, which truly isn’t tricky at all. Just slice the chicken breast in half and stuff goat cheese, walnuts, and basil inside. Close it up and sear the chicken in a large oven safe skillet. It’s important to remember that it’s OK if some of the goat cheese filling spills out into the skillet. Essentially everything is all going in that very same skillet, so I promise, all will be OK.
Once you’ve seared the chicken, add the orzo, and a few handfuls of kale (you could also use spinach). Let everything cook together in the oven until the chicken is golden, the cheese is melty, and the orzo is soft. In total, it all takes about 45 minutes, and a lot of that time is spent cooking in the oven.
As for taste? Well, I think you can guess from the ingredient list that the flavors in this dish are delicious. I love the tangy goat cheese paired with basil and sweet honey. It tastes indulgent, but it’s actually a pretty balanced meal. With the creamy goat cheese stuffed inside, the chicken really melts in your mouth. If you wanted to keep the dish extra healthy, try swapping the orzo for quinoa or farro, both will have similar cooking times.
Perfect light, springy dinner that will easily carry over into the summer months.
If you make this one skillet stuffed chicken, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
One Skillet Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken and Orzo.
Servings: 4
Calories Per Serving: 709 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes, add to your taste
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 bunch kale, roughly torn
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. 2. In a medium bowl, combine the goat cheese, basil, walnuts, thyme, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. 3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Slice the chicken through the middle horizontally to within a 1/2 inch of the other side. Open the two sides and spread them out like an open book. Spread the goat cheese mix evenly on one side. Drizzle honey over the cheese. Close the chicken sides like a book over the filling. It's OK is some is peeking out. 4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and sear on both sides until golden, about 3-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet. Be careful when flipping the chicken to keep the cheese inside, it's OK if some falls into the pan.5. To the same skillet, add the butter, garlic, and orzo. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and the orzo toasted, about 2-3 minutes. Add the chicken broth, kale, and balsamic vinegar. Bring to a boil over high heat and stir. Slide the chicken, and any juices/cheese left on the plate, back into the skillet. Transfer to the oven and roast for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.6. Serve the chicken topped with fresh basil. EAT!
Excited to try this! Scanned the comments to see if anyone asked already, but didn’t see it — what’s the best way to sub rice in for orzo to make it gluten free? any need to reduce the amount of chicken broth for a different absorption rate?
Hey Amanda,
You should be able to follow the recipe as written using white rice. Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love this recipe! xT
Could you also use a wild rice? same cooking time??
You could use wild rice, but you would have to adjust the cooking time accordingly:)
So so so soooooooooooo good! It was so easy to put together. Was a little nervous about stuffing the chicken (as I’ve never tried that before), but the instructions were totally on point (and not intimidating at all). I cut back on the chicken broth (used 2 cups and reduced it a bit before adding the chicken back t0 the skillet/oven) and I was happy with the outcome for my preferences (not soupy and not dry). Also… since I had extra sprigs of thyme left, I stuck a few in the skillet as it was going into the oven. You know it’s a good recipe when you’re already craving it again! 🙂
Hey Kellay,
Fantastic!! So glad to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks a bunch for giving it a try! xx
Guys…Make it. I have made many HBH meals, and while all of them are amazing, this is the first one I felt compelled to write a review for. SO. DANG. DELICIOUS! My boyfriend & I both loved this meal. I wish I made enough for more meals of leftovers. Will certainly be added to my regular lineup. And it’s so easy…I love a one-pan meal!
Hey Rachel,
Happy Friday!! Thanks a lot for giving this recipe a try and sharing your feedback, I love to hear that it was enjoyed!! xT
REALLY great! My husband is a tough critic of any new recipes and said this was one of the best we’ve ever made. It was much easier to put together than I thought — the instructions are very clear — and it was easy to find subs (we used spinach instead of kale and almonds instead of walnuts). Thanks for helping us feel so confident in the kitchen!
Hey Leah,
I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for trying it out! Have the best day:) xT
This recipe is WOW. One of the best recipes Ive ever made. Super easy, truly 1 skillet. I love the toasting of the orzo with the butter and garlic before adding the liquid (chicken stock). It gives the orzo great flavor. Then adding the balsamic…. genius. The walnuts & herbs in the goat cheese is to die for. I subbed kale for lots of spinach. I also added some capers & a little feta to the orzo at the end. Another amazing dinner. Thanks Tieghan !
Hi Katelyn,
Wonderful!! Thanks a lot for giving this recipe a try, I love to hear that it was a winner! xTieghan
Yummo!!!!!
Hey Tammy,
Happy Friday!! I am thrilled that this recipe was a hit, thanks so much for trying it out!! xx
I’m also one of those people who never comments on recipes (but always reads comments), and I had to come back and write one after making this tonight.
I think it might be the best thing I have EVER cooked and up there on the list of best dishes I’ve ever eaten. I used farro and didn’t have broth on hand so had to sub in water and it was still delicious. Thank you Tieghan!!!!
Hi Sarah,
Thank you so much for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Have the best weekend:) xT
I made this tonight and it was AMAZING!!! The flavors were spot on. I switched up a few things and used spinach instead of kale. I also added onion after removing the stuffed chicken, then added red wine after sautéing rhe onion & garlic. Everything else was the same. Thank you for the suggestion it was wonderful!
Hey Angela,
Happy Friday!! I am thrilled to hear this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a bunch for giving it a go! xxT
So good! I swapped out farro for orzo. I could eat this every day!
Hi Talia,
Wonderful! I am thrilled to hear this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for giving it a go! Happy New Year!? xTieghan
This was delicious! I used almonds because I didn’t have walnuts and it still turned out great. Thank you! Enjoying working my way through your recipes.
Hey Morgan,
Thanks so much for trying this recipe, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
This dish was such a comfort food without feeling heavy. Any tips for getting the sauce to thicken? I put my (uncovered) skillet in the oven for 15 minutes but it still was a tad soupy. I didn’t really mind, though. Next time I’ll have homemade bread to dunk! 🙂
Hi there! You could add a tiny bit less liquid or maybe add in some flour? xTieghan
Thank you!
ANOTHER wonderful recipe! Made as instructed and it was just wonderful. THX
Hey Robin,
Awesome! I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe, thanks so much for making it! Have a great weekend:) xTieghan