Garlic and Herbed Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast with Israeli Mushroom Couscous

I know, chicken chicken chicken, but this chicken is really something else. The chicken is so flavorful from the garlic and herbed goat cheese and moist as can be because it's cooked with the skin on. I top the chicken breast with some gravy I make from the pan drippings and chicken stock. This is a new favorite for sure.

Ingredients: Chicken
2 bone in chicken breasts with skin in tact
Trader Joe's garlic and herbed goat cheese

Ingredients: Couscouse
Israeli couscouse
Crimini mushrooms
Olive oil

Ingredients: Gravy
1/2 cup chicken stock
Pan drippings
2 teaspoons corn starch

Preparation:

Take the goat chesse and put into the freezer for 10 minutes. The reason you want the goat cheese really cold is that you are able to cut into slices, otherwise it would be too soft and crumbly and very difficult to stuff the chicken breasts.

Next, prepare the chicken breasts by cutting off the ribs. This makes a more narrow cut of meat and generally better a plate presentation.

On the thick end of the chicken breast take your finger and run it under the skin of the chicken breast making a pocket. Take the goat cheese which is really cold from the freezer and cut into 1/2" thick slices. You should be able fit 3 pieces of the sliced goat cheese under the skin.

Take the stuffed chicken breasts and place on a roasting pan. I like to spray a little canola oil on the chicken as it creates a more even browning while baking. Bake the chicken at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. When cooked remove from the pan, cover with aluminum foil and let rest 5 minutes.

Make the couscouse according to directions. Slice 1/2 to 3/4 pound crimini mushrooms and cook in a 10" saute pan. When thourowly cooked drain any water from the mushrooms and mix in with the couscouse. Add salt and pepper to taste and top with a drizzel of olive oil.

To make the gravy, mix up 1/2 cup chicken stock with the pan dripping from the chicken and 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Heat in a small saute pan until thick and serve.

Side Dish Suggestion:
Zucchini Especial