Chicken with Basil and Goat Cheese

This is a recipe my family tried from Barefoot Contessa and is pretty fantastic.  Chicken is always easy and inexpensive but can get boring; I have so many friends who bake or grill chicken for dinner every night and ask me how they can make their chicken taste great. 

Well here is a recipe that is inexpensive, healthy, and will add some flavor to your pallet.

It is a little more advanced then some of recipes just because it takes a little more effort but that is what makes cooking fun!  Follow the directions and you will be satisfied with this meal.  

Enjoy this Just Good Food paired with whole grain rice (mixed with extra chopped basil and lemon) or honey glazed carrots found here.

Recipes:  (Serves 2)

2 4-5oz chicken breasts (butterflied or flattened to 1/4inch thickness)

4oz of fresh "Cheve" goat cheese 

Fresh Basil Leaves (handful 1oz)

lemon juice

olive oil

salt and pepper

toothpicks

Directions:

First wash and trim the chicken breasts and either butterfly or flatten (if you don't have toothpicks butterflying the breasts might be your best choice).  Preheat the oven to 375 so it is all ready to go for the chicken.

Spread a little olive oil on the breast and then salt and pepper them very well (I've learned more and more how important salt is in cooking because it brings out the other flavors so much).  The olive oil also works as a glue for the basil leaves to stick too.  

Next, place the basil leaves flat on the chicken (this will flavor the chicken very well) and spread liberally the goat cheese atop the leaves.

Fold over or roll up and stick with tooth picks.  Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until juicy and tender (the chicken is skinnier so should cook faster).  Before serving pour a little more olive oil and lemon juice over the breasts to add some more flavor.  You will absolutely love this chicken so give it a shot and tell your friends!