Can I make this dish without a grill?

Absolutely! You can cook the chicken in a grill pan on the stove, or even bake it in the oven at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until it reaches 165°F internally. The tomato-goat cheese topping is so flavorful that you won't miss the grill marks.

My family doesn't like goat cheese. What can I substitute?

If goat cheese isn't a family favorite, try using cream cheese for a milder flavor, or feta for a similar tanginess. You could even use a combination of ricotta and parmesan for a completely different but equally delicious profile.

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

While regular tomatoes will work, cherry and grape tomatoes have a higher sugar content and more concentrated flavor, making them ideal for this recipe. If you use larger tomatoes, dice them small and consider removing some of the seeds and excess liquid.

Is there a way to make this recipe even faster for busy weeknights?

Yes! Prepare the tomato-goat cheese mixture the night before and refrigerate. You can also use pre-grilled chicken strips from the grocery store in a real pinch – just warm them gently and top with the tomato mixture for a 15-minute meal.

Grilled Chicken with Tomatoes and Goat Cheese Recipe

Name: Grilled Chicken with Tomatoes and Goat Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups red and yellow grape or cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt; 2 ounces mild goat cheese (flavored works well), crumbled, divided use; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

This Grilled Chicken with Tomatoes and Goat Cheese is a game-changer for weeknight dinners! Juicy grilled chicken breasts topped with a vibrant mixture of sweet tomatoes and tangy goat cheese create a restaurant-quality dish that comes together in just 45 minutes. The simple preparation lets the fresh ingredients shine while delivering incredible flavor in every bite – perfect for both casual family meals and entertaining guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Impressive Yet Simple: This dish looks and tastes like something from a fancy restaurant, but requires minimal effort and basic cooking skills.
Fresh Ingredients: The combination of sweet, juicy tomatoes and creamy goat cheese creates a burst of summer flavor that elevates plain chicken breasts.
Versatile: Works beautifully for both weeknight family dinners and special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Naturally Healthy: High-protein, low-carb, and packed with fresh vegetables – this dish satisfies without weighing you down.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: These little flavor bombs release sweet juices when salted. Use a mix of red and yellow for a gorgeous presentation.
Goat Cheese: Provides creamy tanginess that perfectly balances the sweet tomatoes. Flavored varieties like herb or honey work beautifully here.
Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor since it’s a key component of the sauce.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that let the fresh ingredients shine. Don’t skimp on the freshly ground black pepper!
Chicken Breasts: The perfect canvas for the vibrant sauce. Make sure they’re even thickness for consistent cooking.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Cheese Options

Not a fan of goat cheese? Try feta for a similar tang or fresh mozzarella for a milder option. Blue cheese would add a bold, complex flavor for the adventurous eaters.

Herb Additions

Enhance the flavors by adding fresh basil, thyme, or oregano to the tomato mixture just before serving.

Protein Swap

This topping works beautifully with grilled fish (especially salmon), pork chops, or even thick slices of grilled eggplant for a vegetarian option.

Balsamic Drizzle

For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle a little balsamic reduction over the finished dish.

How to Make Grilled Chicken with Tomatoes and Goat Cheese

Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes

Halve your tomatoes and place them in a colander over a bowl. Toss with salt and let them release their juices for at least 20 minutes. This step is crucial – those tomato juices become the base of your incredible sauce!

Step 2: Create the Sauce

Whisk half the goat cheese with olive oil into the collected tomato juices until smooth. This creates a light, creamy dressing that’s packed with flavor. Then fold in the tomatoes and remaining goat cheese crumbles for texture. The contrast between the smooth sauce and the chunks of cheese makes every bite interesting.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Make sure your chicken breasts are even thickness – either butterfly large ones or give them a gentle pounding. This ensures they’ll cook evenly without drying out. Brush with olive oil and season simply with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Grill the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until they reach 165°F internally. Don’t be tempted to overcook them! A good meat thermometer is your best friend here.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest under foil for 5 minutes – this keeps all those delicious juices inside. Then top with the tomato-goat cheese mixture and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Salting: Allowing the tomatoes to release their juices is essential for developing the sauce’s flavor. Those juices carry concentrated tomato essence!
Even Chicken Thickness: Take the time to pound or butterfly your chicken breasts for even cooking. Nothing ruins this dish faster than dry, overcooked sections.
Preheat Properly: Make sure your grill is fully preheated before adding the chicken. This prevents sticking and ensures those perfect grill marks.
Temperature Over Time: Use a meat thermometer to cook your chicken to exactly 165°F rather than relying solely on cooking times. This guarantees juicy results every time..

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This versatile main dish pairs beautifully with so many sides. Try it with:

A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted asparagus or green beans
Crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce
Herbed couscous or quinoa

Wine Recommendation

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Noir complements the tangy goat cheese and sweet tomatoes perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Prepping Components

You can prepare the tomato-goat cheese mixture up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. Just bring to room temperature before serving.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken and topping separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The tomato mixture may release more liquid as it sits, which is perfectly fine.

Reheating

Gently reheat the chicken in a 325°F oven until just warmed through (about 10 minutes), then top with the tomato mixture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can toughen the chicken.

FAQs

Can I make this dish without a grill?

Absolutely! You can cook the chicken in a grill pan on the stove, or even bake it in the oven at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until it reaches 165°F internally. The tomato-goat cheese topping is so flavorful that you won’t miss the grill marks.
My family doesn’t like goat cheese. What can I substitute?

If goat cheese isn’t a family favorite, try using cream cheese for a milder flavor, or feta for a similar tanginess. You could even use a combination of ricotta and parmesan for a completely different but equally delicious profile.
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

While regular tomatoes will work, cherry and grape tomatoes have a higher sugar content and more concentrated flavor, making them ideal for this recipe. If you use larger tomatoes, dice them small and consider removing some of the seeds and excess liquid.
Is there a way to make this recipe even faster for busy weeknights?

Yes! Prepare the tomato-goat cheese mixture the night before and refrigerate. You can also use pre-grilled chicken strips from the grocery store in a real pinch – just warm them gently and top with the tomato mixture for a 15-minute meal.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken with Tomatoes and Goat Cheese recipe proves that spectacular meals don’t require complicated techniques or tons of ingredients. The fresh, vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation make this dish special enough for company, while the straightforward preparation keeps it in your weeknight dinner rotation. Give it a try the next time you want to elevate your chicken game without breaking a sweat!