This Baked Balsamic Goat Cheese Stuffed Pomegranate chicken is a quick and easy weeknight dinner, loaded with superfoods! Great for kids and adults!
PIN Baked Balsamic Goat Cheese Stuffed Pomegranate chicken
First published Jan 22/2014. Updated Dec 29/2017
I have been eating a lot of pomegranate lately. Liiiike, in superfood paleo brownies and Breakfast Cookies with bananas and pomegrante.
And now? This balsamic glazed chicken.
I’m eating them to a point where it is scaring Mr. FFF
The actual amount that I am eating is not what is causing him to be a worry pants though. What is causing his anxiety is the fact that he comes home from work every morning to a wife covered in splattery, red, spots.
Considering he is a nurse, he automatically jumps into super life saving mode and assumes that his wife is in the midst of doom and death.
Nope. I am just a reallyyyyy messy pomegranate de-seeder person trying to make dinner in the form of THIS balsamic chicken recipe.
On, the bright side I don’t have to wear as much makeup these days. Pomegranate juice = instant, natural blush. Plus it’s really healthy and that means my cheeks are extra happy.
I’m sure I read some article in Cosmo about happy cheeks being important.
But, I also haven’t read a Cosmo in approximately 40,000 years so I could be lying.
Moving on. We’ve got Baked Balsamic Goat Cheese Stuffed Pomegranate Chicken to discuss!
Let’s talk about one of my favorite topics, beside shoes, and that is cheese. Specifically cheese from my cute little friend: the goat. Side note: Don’t worry, I don’t actually think goats are cute. How-ev-er, I think that goats around the world feel like everyone feels that way, so I am trying to pretend change the goat movement.
Ya know, just in case one is reading this.
Ok, Goat Cheese. Yes. This is actually my favorite kind of cheese in the whole Milky Way (milky way=cheese. You see the connection.)
It works in just about any dish, ESPECIALLY goat cheese stuffed chicken breasts, but I also love it with strawberry chicken with goat cheese, as it is so mild in flavor but BIG on creamy, smooth nom nom nom-age. I stuffed some into the center of this easy balsamic chicken and, BOOM, insta-chicken-that-I-want-to-crawl-up-inside-of-and-make-a-little-home.
Is that weird and excessive?
I just really like goat cheese you guys.
Side note: Since we are kind of, in a round about way, talking about the appearance of animals, do you guys think that chickens look like mini dinosaurs? Is that just me? Please say no.
Sometimes I really don’t know how and why I think of these things. Furthermore, why I say them to YOU.
Alright, so we’ve established that you need to put some goat cheese in your balsamic chicken breast.
Let’s talk about the pomegranate balsamic glaze on this Baked Balsamic Goat Cheese Stuffed Pomegranate Chicken that takes approximately 43 seconds to prepare. <– Ok, maybe a few more seconds than that, but it is SO EASY.
Seriously, if you want to make just about ANYTHING taste delish and look extra fancy, make this sauce.
Do it. Don’t even think about it. It’s even good on things like cookies, as we learned in the cranberry pistachio gluten free shortbread and salads like balsamic butternut squash salad with bacon.
It’s thick, sweet, a little bit tangy and has a pop of freshness from the pomegranate juice. The best part about all this magic? One pot wonder. Yesyesyes.
BUTBUTBUT, do NOT overcook it. SRSLY BAD THINGS HAPPEN. It will no longer look like delicious, sweet and tangy sauce…but more like stick-to-your-teeth balsamic vinegar CANDY. Not good for your teeth. not good for the chicken. NOT GOOD FOR ANYONE.
You get the picture.
Finally we come ‘round the bend to the pomegranate arils. If you did not know this, these little seedies are JAM PACKED with antioxidants that will make yo’ body feel the warm tinglies of health and love and joy…and stuff.
How-ev-er there are three other reasons what you should finish off your chicken by topping it with pomegranate arils and sweet, fresh basil:
1) Ohhh so pretty!
2) Ohhh the crunch!
3) Ohhh so fancy!
You like it. I like it. Let’s eat it.
Baked Balsamic Goat Cheese Stuffed Pomegranate chicken
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1 Lb Chicken breasts (4 small breasts)
- 4 Oz Goat Cheese (dairy free cream cheese for dairy free options)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- For the Balsamic Reduction:
- 1/4 Cup Shallots minced (about 4 small shallots)
- 2/3 Cup Balsamic Vinegar
- 2 Tbsp Pomegranate juice
- 1/4 Cup Low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 Cup + 1 Tbsp Coconut sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 Cup Pomegranate arils
- 1/4 Cup Fresh basil diced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and spray a large baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Cut a pocket into the center of each chicken breast, using a sharp knife,, making sure to not cut all the way through the breast.
- Stuff each pocket with 1 oz of goat cheese and sprinkle each breast with a pinch of salt, pepper and garlic powder.
- In a large pan, heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil over medium/high heat.
- Cook the chicken breasts until lightly golden brown on each side (about 1-2 minutes per side.) Use tongs to flip the chicken as it helps to keep all that cheese inside. However, some cheese may ooze out as it begins to warm up.
- Once browned, transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish and set aside.
- Turn the heat down to medium and add the shallots right into the same pan the chicken was in.
- Cook the shallots until soft (about 2-3 minutes.)
- Add in the balsamic vinegar, pomegranate juice, chicken broth, brown sugar and pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, stiring constantly, until the sauce just begins to reduce and thicken (about 4-5 minutes.)
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts and bake until they are cooked through (15-20 mins.)
- Serve each chicken breast drizzled with some of the leftover sauce, pomegranate seeds and fresh basil.
- Devour!
Nutrition
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Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com says
My daughter has developed a crazy love for pomegranates too – she had deseeded one in the kitchen and had conveniently forgotten to clean up after herself – so naturally when I found the dried up pom juice – I thought much like your husband and had to examine her and the dogs for cuts! GAH!
The balsamic reduction sounds fantastic – i can only imagine how good it was combined with the chicken and goat cheese!
Tate says
Well that was probably the right mom reaction! I’m glad my hubby isn’t the only one who assumes doom!
Thanks lady! 🙂
Gretchen @ Two Healthy Kitchens says
Taylor – you had me cracking up when I was reading this!! Clucksters?? SO funny! Pom juice as blush – hilarious! This was exactly what I needed to read this morning – thanks!
So … I love that you have totally embraced the pomegranate. And I love all of these recipes you are sharing on here with them! I’ve got some on my counter just WAITING to be turned into something magical!
PS – mini dinosaurs?? LOL!!
Tate says
Glad I could give you a little giggle with all my usual nonsense Gretchen!
Trust me, your pomegranates want to go on top of goat cheese stuffed chicken. It is magic on a plate! 🙂
Chelsea @chelseasmessyapron says
Taylor, I LOVE goat cheese! This sounds absolutely perfect! And instant blush – haha love that. I am a super messy pomegranate deseeder as well haha.
Tate says
I am so glad to know that I am not the only messy one! Thanks girl! 🙂
Chris @ Shared Appetite says
Those darn pomegranates are quite messy but oh so delicious. Love that you used it in a balsamic reduction! Yum! And goat cheese?!?! Man this sounds like a great sounding dinner, Taylor!
Tate says
Thanks Chris! 🙂
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
Guess who is cutting back on their carbs this week? Me! Guess who has all of these ingredients at home and is making this for dinner tonight? Me! This looks delicious Taylor, can’t wait to make it!
Tate says
Awesome Natalie! I am so excited for you to try it! Let me know whatcha think!
Faith @ Pixie Dust Kitchen says
no but I NEED this in my life! this sounds absolutely a-maz-ing! (PS: I learned in biology last semester that Chickens ARE actually related to Dinosaurs!)
Tate says
Thanks Faith! Are you serious!? I totally didn’t know but it all makes sense! 😉
Carolyn says
This sounds wonderful Tate! I too lately have been eating a lot of pomegranates! Putting them in my salads and everything I can think of. Will certainly try this one. Love all your posts.
Tate says
Thanks Auntie Lonnie! 🙂
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
Gorgeous shots! What a great way to liven up chicken 🙂
Tate says
Thanks bunches Rachel! 🙂
Kelly says
Hehe I’m so guilty of leaving a mess after deseeding pomegranates too and your husband’s reaction is too cute! The chicken sounds incredible with the goat cheese and balsamic reduction!
Tate says
Thank you so much Kelly! He’s a keeper 🙂
Cate @ Chez CateyLou says
Pomegranate as makeup – such a good idea 🙂 Pomegranates are so tasty though – I wish they weren’t so hard to de-seed! But it is totally worth it, especially to make something that looks this great!! What a perfect dinner, yum!
Tate says
Thanks Cate! They are worth it fo’ sheezy! 🙂
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
Ohhh I have been in such a pomegranate phase lately! Munching on the seeds for a snack, sprinkling them over my salad, even floating a few in some cocktails (so festive for Christmas)! The first time I hacked into a pomegranate I was in my college dorm room and I had NO clue what to expect. Holy red splatter ALLLLL over my white walls. I scrubbed and I scrubbed because I was so afraid I’d get fined! Thankfully it didn’t stain, but since then I’ve been suuuper careful when it comes to breaking them open.
Wearing an old shirt and covering the kitchen in paper towels would be sooo worth it for this delicious looking dinner! High protein to boot! Mmmm.
Tate says
OMG seeds in a cocktail, YUM! I am so glad that didn’t stain for you! That would have been awful!
Thanks Alyssa! 🙂 Old T-shirt necessary!
Erin | The Law Student's Wife says
This dish is gorgeous Taylor! Goat cheese is one of my faves too and at least baby goats are adorable!!
Tate says
Haha this is true, they are adorable! Thanks Erin!
Mike @TheIronYou says
I love pomegranate AND I love goat cheese AND I love balsamic vinegar AND I love shallots AND I love chicken….Okay then, I’m making this 😉
Tate says
Haha sounds like this dish has Mike written all over it! 😉 Lemme know if you get a chance to try it!:)
Ashley @ My Midwest Table says
Glad I came across your site. Pomegranate + goat cheese. Love! And basil? Even more love!
Every time I de-seed a pomegranate, I am always impressed at the range of the juice splattering. No person, counter, or wall is safe!
Tate says
It’s crazy how far they shoot! Thanks so much Ashley! 🙂
Rachel @ Bakerita says
Yum yum yum!! I love chicken, I love pomegranates, so naturally, I wanna eat this all right now for dinner.
Tate says
Haha thanks Rachel!
Erin | The Emerging Foodie says
1) I looooove balsamic. I could do that. 2) I remember us talking about how I don’t like goat cheese. But these look so yummy, I might be able to do it just once. 3) I love that you spell flavor “flavour.” You Canadian, you. 🙂
Tate says
Haha thanks girl….You can take the girl out of Canada but you can’t take the Canada out of the girl!
Layla @ Brunch Time Baker says
Pomegranates are actually my daughter’s favorite fruits. I can’t wait to try out this recipe for her, I’m sure she’s going to love it!
Tate says
I hope she does Layla! 🙂
Consuelo @ Honey & Figs says
LOVE pomegranates but HATE seeding them… I always end up making it look like a murder scene oh well.
This combo looks lovely! Chicken + goat cheese + pomegranate + balsamic reduction??? Sounds so so delicious!
And your pictures are terrific, girl!
Have a wonderful weekend! <3
Tate says
Haha, I love how you just said “oh well” made me giggle!
Thanks so much Consuelo, right back at ya! 🙂
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats says
haha.. I admit if I came home and see you covered in red spots I would be alittle worried too! Too funny.
I am a totally goat cheese nut too! So creamy and tangy and PERFECT with a balsamic reduction {another obsession of mine} Loving this meal Tate! I haven’t tried deseeding a pomegranate before but totally need to try, even if its just to freak out my husband when he comes home from work. hehe. 🙂 Pinned!
Tate says
Haha I love your devious little mind Krista! 😉 If you do attempt, wear an old t-shirt!
Thanks for the pin and chicken love! 🙂
Jaclyn says
I my gosh this looks insanely good! I need this chicken in my life!
Tate says
Thanks Jaclyn! 🙂
[email protected] says
I’m loving the pomegranate in this dish! But seriously, everything about this looks amazingly delish!!
Tate says
Thanks so much Jocelyn! 🙂
Ashton says
CANNOT wait to try this recipe! Making it for a friend this week and i’m already drooling over the pictures
Taylor Kiser says
YAY! This is one of my favorites, so I hope that you love it! Please let me know how it turns out! 😀 Thanks Ashton!
Ashton says
This turned out so amazing! Was definitely a hit, can’t wait to make it again
Taylor Kiser says
Yay!! SO glad you loved it!! Thanks Ashton!
courtney says
I found this recipe on pinterest this past weekend, and was excited to try it for dinner this week. It was a HUGE hit in our house – even our 4 year old gobbled it all up. My hubby even told me that he thought it was fancy restaurant quality. It’ll be our little secret that it was insanely easy to make.
Thanks for posting this! I’m looking forward to following for other genius recipes!! :o)
Taylor Kiser says
WOW, even the 4 year old and the hubby?! SO great! Thank you SO SO much, you seriously just made me day!
And, yes, totally our secret 😉
Thanks again Courtney, please let me know if your try anything else!
Kerri says
This recipe is so creative and look so good! I love anything with balsamic reduction 🙂 Can’t wait to try it!
Taylor Kiser says
I hope you LOVE this one as much as we did! Thanks Kerri!
Julie D. says
This sounds amazing!!! I love reading your posts, they always make me giggle!! Silly question…the pomegranate juice you use for the recipe, is it just the bottled stuff you buy? Thanks, can’t wait to get cooking!!!
Taylor Kiser says
Thank you Julie! 🙂 I am so glad you like the posts!
I actually just used the juice that I got from the pomegranate when I took the seeds out! But you could totally use bought juice, since pomegranates are kind of gone right now! 🙂 I hope that helps! Please let me know if you try it!
Kristy Bernardo says
Amazing recipe!!
Allie @ Baking A Moment says
Just love all of these elements together!
Taylor Kiser says
Thank you!
Melissa Griffiths says
I’m obsessed with pomegranate, too – this looks incredible!
Taylor Kiser says
Thanks!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
Totally LOVE these shots lady! My boyfriend loves pomegranate. I need to make this for him.
Taylor Kiser says
Thank you babe!!! <3 I hope he loooooves them!
Cara Mengobati Sipilis says says
Thank you .. I hope he protected him
Aura says
This sounds amazing! I am planning to cook it for my friend this weekend as a treat – do you have any recommendations on starters/sides you think would really compliment it? I have never even had pomegranate so have no idea where to start!
Taylor Kiser says
Hmmmmm!! Maybe one of these:
https://www.foodfaithfitness.com/easy-sauteed-fresh-green-beans-recipe-with-proscuitto/
https://www.foodfaithfitness.com/superfood-roasted-brussels-sprouts-with-bacon/
https://www.foodfaithfitness.com/cauliflower-bake-with-goat-cheese/
Let me know how it goes!
Heather says
Second night making this. So glad it came up in my google search. Delicious! Thank you!