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

Description

This grilled chicken recipe is a delightful combination of tender chicken breasts topped with a savory and tangy mixture of tomatoes and goat cheese. The dish is elevated by the juicy burst of grape or cherry tomatoes paired with the creamy, rich flavor of mild goat cheese. It’s simple, yet sophisticated – perfect for a quick meal or an elegant dinner.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Tomato-Goat Cheese Topping:

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

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Tomatoes:
Place the halved tomatoes in a colander set over a medium mixing bowl. Toss them with kosher or sea salt and allow them to stand for at least 20 minutes. This will release their juices, which will be used later for the sauce.
Make the Tomato-Goat Cheese Sauce:
After 20 minutes, remove the tomatoes from the colander and set them aside. Into the collected juice from the tomatoes, whisk in half of the crumbled goat cheese along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil until you achieve a smooth consistency. Gently fold the tomatoes and the remaining goat cheese into the mixture. Season with freshly ground black pepper and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. If the breasts are large, butterfly and halve them or pound them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking. Brush both sides of the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Grill the Chicken:
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 375–400°F). Once heated, brush the grill grates lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F using an instant-read thermometer.
Rest the Chicken:
Once cooked, transfer the chicken breasts to a serving platter and cover them with foil. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
Assemble and Serve:
After resting, spoon generous portions of the prepared tomato-goat cheese mixture over each chicken breast. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

If using flavored goat cheese, opt for ones infused with herbs or garlic for added flavor.
Ensure the chicken breasts are of uniform thickness to promote even cooking.
You can substitute cherry tomatoes with other heirloom tomato varieties for a more robust flavor.
Use a grill pan indoors if an outdoor grill isn’t available.
Resting the chicken after cooking helps ensure the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.

Nutrition

Calories: 290
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 280
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 90mg