Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken with Figs and Goat Cheese: An Elegant & Flavorful Delight
Are you looking for a dish that’s both impressive and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken with Figs and Goat Cheese recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a special occasion or a sophisticated weeknight dinner. The combination of salty prosciutto, sweet figs, creamy goat cheese, and juicy chicken creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe elevates simple chicken breasts into a gourmet experience, proving that you don’t need complex techniques to achieve culinary excellence.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is a winner for several reasons:
* **Flavor Combination:** The interplay of salty, sweet, and tangy is irresistible. The prosciutto provides a salty, savory base, the figs add a touch of sweetness and chewiness, and the goat cheese brings a creamy, tangy richness. This trifecta of flavors complements the mildness of the chicken perfectly.
* **Ease of Preparation:** Despite its elegant presentation, this dish is surprisingly simple to prepare. It requires minimal hands-on time and can be assembled in advance, making it ideal for entertaining.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The prosciutto wrapping not only adds flavor but also creates a visually stunning dish. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
* **Versatility:** This recipe is highly adaptable. You can easily substitute ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For example, you could use different types of cheese, such as brie or feta, or swap the figs for dates or cranberries.
* **Quick Cooking Time:** Once assembled, the chicken breasts cook relatively quickly, making it a great option for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather the following ingredients:
* **Chicken Breasts:** 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each). Choose breasts that are of even thickness for consistent cooking. If the breasts are very thick, you can pound them lightly to an even thickness.
* **Prosciutto:** 8-12 slices of prosciutto, thinly sliced. The number of slices will depend on the size of your chicken breasts. Look for good quality prosciutto for the best flavor. Domestic or imported prosciutto will work. Avoid prosciutto that is too thick, as it won’t crisp up properly.
* **Dried Figs:** 1/2 cup dried figs, stemmed and quartered. Dried figs offer a concentrated sweetness and a slightly chewy texture. You can use Black Mission figs or Calimyrna figs, depending on your preference. If the figs are very hard, you can soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them before using.
* **Goat Cheese:** 4 ounces goat cheese, softened. Soft goat cheese, also known as chevre, is ideal for this recipe. It should be at room temperature to make it easier to spread. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a honey goat cheese or a goat cheese blended with herbs.
* **Fresh Rosemary:** 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves finely chopped. Fresh rosemary adds a wonderful aroma and earthy flavor to the dish. If you don’t have fresh rosemary, you can use dried rosemary, but use only about 1 teaspoon.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons olive oil. Olive oil is used for searing the chicken and helps to keep it moist.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the chicken and the filling generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
* **Optional:** Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional, but highly recommended). A balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that balances the richness of the dish. It also adds a beautiful visual appeal.
Equipment You’ll Need
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Small bowl
* Spoon or spatula
* Large skillet or frying pan
* Meat mallet (optional, for pounding chicken breasts)
* Toothpicks (optional, to secure prosciutto)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create this culinary masterpiece:
**1. Prepare the Chicken:**
* Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This will help them to sear properly.
* If the chicken breasts are very thick, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them lightly with a meat mallet to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This will ensure that they cook evenly.
* Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
**2. Prepare the Filling:**
* In a small bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, quartered dried figs, and chopped fresh rosemary. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
**3. Assemble the Chicken:**
* Place a chicken breast on a clean surface.
* Spread about one-quarter of the goat cheese mixture evenly over the top of the chicken breast.
* Wrap the chicken breast with 2-3 slices of prosciutto, overlapping the slices to completely cover the chicken. Secure the prosciutto with toothpicks if necessary. This will help the prosciutto stay in place while cooking. Make sure the ends are tucked underneath to prevent them from burning.
* Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts, goat cheese mixture, and prosciutto.
**4. Cook the Chicken:**
* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The skillet should be large enough to accommodate all the chicken breasts without overcrowding.
* Carefully place the prosciutto-wrapped chicken breasts in the hot skillet, seam-side down first (if applicable). This will help to crisp up the prosciutto.
* Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the prosciutto is golden brown and crispy. Avoid moving the chicken around too much while searing, as this will prevent it from browning properly.
* Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding any bone.
* Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
**5. Serve:**
* Remove any toothpicks from the chicken breasts before serving.
* Drizzle with balsamic glaze (optional). The balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that complements the richness of the dish.
* Serve immediately. This dish is best served hot, when the prosciutto is crispy and the goat cheese is warm and creamy.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to customize this recipe to your liking:
* **Use Different Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as brie, feta, or Gorgonzola. Each cheese will impart a unique flavor to the dish.
* **Swap the Figs:** If you’re not a fan of figs, you can substitute them with dates, cranberries, or even chopped apples or pears. Dried cherries also work well.
* **Add Herbs:** Add other herbs to the goat cheese mixture, such as thyme, oregano, or sage. These herbs will complement the flavors of the dish.
* **Use Chicken Thighs:** For a richer flavor, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs will require a longer cooking time than chicken breasts.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels of your ingredients to ensure that they are gluten-free.
* **Add a Sauce:** Create a simple pan sauce by deglazing the skillet with white wine or chicken broth after cooking the chicken. Whisk in a tablespoon of butter at the end for added richness.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the goat cheese mixture for a touch of heat.
* **Marinate the Chicken:** Marinate the chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes before assembling the dish. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs will add flavor and moisture to the chicken.
* **Grill the Chicken:** Instead of cooking the chicken in a skillet, you can grill it over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it will dry out.
Serving Suggestions
This Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken with Figs and Goat Cheese is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes, make a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Quinoa or Rice:** Quinoa or rice is a simple and satisfying side dish that pairs well with the chicken.
* **Salad:** A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to the richness of the dish.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food that goes well with almost anything.
* **Polenta:** Creamy polenta is a delicious and elegant side dish that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious pan juices.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This dish can be partially or fully prepared in advance, making it ideal for entertaining.
* **Assemble Ahead:** You can assemble the chicken breasts with the goat cheese filling and prosciutto wrapping up to 24 hours in advance. Store the assembled chicken breasts in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap.
* **Cook Ahead:** You can cook the chicken breasts completely and then reheat them before serving. Store the cooked chicken breasts in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or in the oven until heated through.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 450-550 per serving (estimated)
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 15-25g
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken with Figs and Goat Cheese Recipe
**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
* 8-12 slices prosciutto, thinly sliced
* 1/2 cup dried figs, stemmed and quartered
* 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
* 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves finely chopped
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the chicken breasts are very thick, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them lightly with a meat mallet to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. In a small bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, quartered dried figs, and chopped fresh rosemary. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Place a chicken breast on a clean surface. Spread about one-quarter of the goat cheese mixture evenly over the top of the chicken breast.
4. Wrap the chicken breast with 2-3 slices of prosciutto, overlapping the slices to completely cover the chicken. Secure the prosciutto with toothpicks if necessary.
5. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts, goat cheese mixture, and prosciutto.
6. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
7. Carefully place the prosciutto-wrapped chicken breasts in the hot skillet, seam-side down first (if applicable).
8. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the prosciutto is golden brown and crispy.
9. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
10. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Remove any toothpicks from the chicken breasts before serving.
11. Drizzle with balsamic glaze (optional) and serve immediately.
Enjoy this delicious and elegant Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken with Figs and Goat Cheese! It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will impress your family and friends. Bon appétit!