Artichoke-and-Goat Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

By Lv2Cook

Ingredients

• 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke bottoms
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled goat or feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped chives divided
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme divided
• 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon rind divided
• 8 (4-ounce) skinned, boned chicken breast halves
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons olive oil divided
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Preparation

Step 1

Drain artichokes in a colander over a bowl, reserving liquid. Coarsely chop artichoke bottoms. Combine artichokes, cheese, 2 tablespoons chives, 1 teaspoon thyme, and 1 teaspoon lemon rind in a medium bowl; stir well.

Cut a horizontal slit through thickest portion of each chicken breast half to form a pocket. Stuff about 1/4 cup artichoke mixture into each pocket. Sprinkle chicken with pepper.

Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 chicken breasts, and sauté 6 minutes on each side or until chicken is done. Remove chicken from skillet. Set aside; keep warm. Repeat procedure with 1 teaspoon oil and remaining chicken breasts. Add reserved artichoke liquid, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon lemon rind to skillet. Combine cornstarch and lemon juice; stir well. Add to skillet. Bring to a boil; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Return chicken to skillet. Cover and simmer 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Spoon sauce over chicken. Top with 2 tablespoons chives.

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast half and 1 tablespoon sauce