This scrumptious cornmeal-crusted chicken recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The juicy chicken breasts are filled with a savory goat cheese and sausage mixture, then coated in a crisp cornmeal crust and pan-fried to golden perfection. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or a special dinner occasion.
When preparing this recipe, keep an eye out for goat cheese, which might not be a staple in every household but is easily found in most supermarkets. Additionally, mild italian sausage offers a subtle yet flavorful kick; make sure to choose one without too much spice. Fresh parsley is key for a burst of freshness, and cornmeal provides the delightful crust.
Ingredients For Cornmeal-Crusted Chicken Recipe
goat cheese: Creamy and tangy cheese that pairs wonderfully with savory dishes.
mild italian sausage: Adds a subtle spiciness and meaty richness to the filling.
cayenne: Provides a hint of heat to balance the flavors.
salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the filling.
chicken: The main ingredient, providing a hearty and protein-packed base.
egg: Helps bind the coating to the chicken.
water: Used to thin out the egg mixture for coating.
cornmeal: Creates a crispy and delicious crust on the chicken.
fresh ground black pepper: Adds a touch of spiciness and depth.
cooking oil: Used for frying the chicken to a golden brown.
One reader, Brandyn Chrisman says:
This cornmeal-crusted chicken recipe is a game-changer! The goat cheese and sausage stuffing adds incredible flavor, and the crispy cornmeal coating is perfection. Easy to make and absolutely delicious. Highly recommend!
Cooking Techniques for Perfect Cornmeal-Crusted Chicken
How to make an incision in chicken: Use a sharp knife to carefully cut along the side of each chicken breast, creating a pocket without cutting through the edges. How to fill chicken breasts: Spoon the goat-cheese mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast and pinch the cut-side together to seal in the stuffing. How to coat chicken: Dip each chicken breast in the cornmeal mixture, then into the egg mixture, and back into the cornmeal to ensure an even coating. How to cook chicken in a frying pan: Heat oil over moderately high heat in a large frying pan, add the chicken, and cook for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
How To Make Cornmeal-Crusted Chicken
Deliciously crunchy and equally juicy, this cornmeal-crusted chicken has a surprisingly tasty and gooey center from its slightly hot goat cheese filling.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 5½ozgoat cheese
- ½lbmild Italian sausage
- ¼tspcayenne
- ½tspsalt
- 2tbspfresh parsley,chopped
- 4chicken,boneless
- 1egg
- 1tbspwater
- ¾cupcornmeal
- ¼tspfresh ground black pepper
- 3tbspcooking oil
Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine the goat cheese, sausage, cayenne, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and parsley.
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With a sharp knife, make an incision along the side of each chicken breast and cut into the middle, making a pocket without cutting through the edges
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Fill each breast with the goat-cheese mixture and pinch the cut-side of the breast together to seal in the stuffing.
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In a small bowl, whisk the egg with water. Mix the cornmeal with the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper.
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Dip each chicken breast in the cornmeal mixture to coat lightly, then into the egg mixture, and then back in the cornmeal.
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In a large frying pan, heat the oil over moderately high heat.
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Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes. Turn and continue cooking for about 5 minutes longer until golden brown and cooked through.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 3097.70kcal
- Fat: 218.78g
- Saturated Fat: 64.97g
- Trans Fat: 1.21g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 92.05g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 44.66g
- Carbohydrates: 24.13g
- Fiber: 1.29g
- Sugar: 0.54g
- Protein: 242.03g
- Cholesterol: 1001.01mg
- Sodium: 1742.68mg
- Calcium: 207.56mg
- Potassium: 2493.48mg
- Iron: 13.83mg
- Vitamin A: 635.09µg
- Vitamin C: 22.95mg
Expert Tip for Achieving Crispy Cornmeal-Crusted Chicken
When making the pocket in the chicken breast, use a small, sharp knife and make a gentle sawing motion to avoid tearing the meat. This will help ensure the stuffing stays inside during cooking.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Cornmeal-Crusted Chicken
Prepare the filling: Mix the goat cheese, sausage, and spices ahead of time and store in the fridge.
Pre-cut the chicken: Make the pockets in the chicken breasts the night before to save prep time.
Assembly line: Set up a station with the egg mixture and cornmeal mixture to streamline coating the chicken.
Preheat the pan: Heat the cooking oil while you prepare the chicken to save cooking time.
Batch cooking: Cook multiple chicken breasts at once if your pan is large enough to reduce overall cooking time.
Substitute Ingredients For Cornmeal-Crusted Chicken Recipe
goat cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese has a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, making it a good alternative.
mild italian sausage - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be seasoned to mimic the flavors of mild Italian sausage.
cayenne - Substitute with paprika: Paprika provides a milder heat and a similar color, making it a suitable replacement.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with a bit of umami, enhancing the overall taste.
fresh parsley - Substitute with dried parsley: Dried parsley can be used in place of fresh, though you should use less since dried herbs are more concentrated.
chicken - Substitute with pork chops: Pork chops can be breaded and cooked similarly, providing a different but equally delicious protein option.
egg - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the cornmeal adhere to the chicken and adds a slight tanginess.
water - Substitute with milk: Milk can be used to mix with the egg to help the cornmeal stick better.
cornmeal - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a similar crunchy texture when used as a coating.
fresh ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar flavor profile and can be used to maintain the seasoning.
cooking oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier alternative and can be used for frying or baking.
Plating Ideas for Cornmeal-Crusted Chicken
Serve on a stylish plate: Choose a sleek, white porcelain plate to let the colors of the cornmeal-crusted chicken and stuffing pop.
Create a bed of greens: Place a small mound of fresh arugula or baby spinach in the center of the plate to add a vibrant, fresh element.
Slice the chicken: Diagonally slice the chicken breast into medallions to showcase the goat cheese and sausage stuffing inside.
Drizzle with sauce: Lightly drizzle a balsamic reduction or herb-infused olive oil around the plate for added flavor and visual appeal.
Garnish with parsley: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley over the top of the chicken and around the plate for a touch of color and freshness.
Add a side of roasted vegetables: Place a small portion of roasted baby carrots and asparagus on the side to complement the dish and add variety.
Finish with a lemon wedge: Add a lemon wedge on the side for a pop of color and a hint of acidity that diners can squeeze over the chicken if desired.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Cornmeal-Crusted Chicken
Small bowl: Used to combine the goat cheese, sausage, cayenne, salt, and parsley.
Sharp knife: Essential for making an incision along the side of each chicken breast to create a pocket.
Whisk: Used to mix the egg with water to create an egg wash.
Large frying pan: Necessary for cooking the chicken breasts until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the cayenne, salt, and water accurately.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the cornmeal.
Tongs: Helpful for turning the chicken breasts in the pan to ensure even cooking.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for making the incision in the chicken breasts.
Mixing bowl: Used to mix the cornmeal with the salt and pepper.
Spatula: Useful for transferring the chicken breasts to and from the pan.
Plate: Used to hold the coated chicken breasts before they go into the frying pan.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Cornmeal-Crusted Chicken
Let the cornmeal-crusted chicken cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the coating soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled chicken in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. It will keep for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, freeze the cornmeal-crusted chicken:
- Arrange the cooled chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they aren't touching each other.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until the chicken is frozen solid.
- Transfer the frozen chicken pieces to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen cornmeal-crusted chicken will keep for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat refrigerated chicken, place it on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
For frozen chicken, you can either:
- Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as directed above, or
- Place the frozen chicken pieces on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
To maintain the best texture, avoid microwaving the cornmeal-crusted chicken, as this can make the coating soggy.
How To Reheat Leftover Cornmeal-Crusted Chicken
To reheat leftover cornmeal-crusted chicken, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the coating is crispy once again. This method helps to preserve the crunchy texture of the cornmeal crust while ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
Another option is to use an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the leftover chicken pieces in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the coating is crispy. The air fryer is an excellent choice for reheating fried foods as it helps to maintain the crispy exterior without the need for additional oil.
If you're short on time, you can also reheat the cornmeal-crusted chicken in the microwave. Place the chicken pieces on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. To help maintain the crispiness of the crust, place a damp paper towel over the chicken before microwaving. Keep in mind that the microwave method may result in a slightly softer crust compared to the oven or air fryer methods.
For a stovetop option, heat a small amount of cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover chicken pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is heated through and the coating is crispy. This method is ideal if you want to quickly reheat a small portion of leftover cornmeal-crusted chicken.
Interesting Trivia About Cornmeal-Crusted Chicken
A random fact about this recipe is that the cornmeal coating adds a delightful crunch to the chicken, creating a texture contrast with the creamy goat cheese stuffing.
Budget-Friendly: Is Cornmeal-Crusted Chicken Economical for Home Cooking?
This cornmeal-crusted chicken recipe is moderately cost-effective. The goat cheese and mild Italian sausage add a gourmet touch but can be pricier. However, the use of cornmeal and basic pantry staples like egg and parsley balance the cost. Cooking oil and chicken breasts are standard household items. Overall Verdict: 7/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $20-$25 USD.
Is Cornmeal-Crusted Chicken Healthy or Unhealthy?
This cornmeal-crusted chicken recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe includes high-fat ingredients like goat cheese, Italian sausage, and cooking oil, which can contribute to excessive calorie intake.
- Cornmeal is a refined carbohydrate that may cause blood sugar spikes and provide fewer nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives.
- Deep frying the chicken in oil adds unnecessary fat and calories to the dish.
However, with a few tweaks, this recipe can be made healthier without compromising on flavor:
- Opt for lean Italian chicken or turkey sausage instead of regular pork sausage to reduce the fat content.
- Replace half of the goat cheese with ricotta cheese, which is lower in fat and calories.
- Use whole grain cornmeal or breadcrumbs for a more nutrient-dense coating.
- Instead of deep frying, try baking the chicken in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. This will significantly reduce the amount of oil needed.
- Add more herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive salt or fat.
- Serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to increase the overall nutrient content of the meal.
Editor's Opinion on the Cornmeal-Crusted Chicken Recipe
This cornmeal-crusted chicken recipe offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The creamy goat cheese and savory sausage stuffing add a rich, indulgent element, while the cayenne provides a subtle kick. The cornmeal coating ensures a crispy exterior, contrasting beautifully with the tender chicken. The use of fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness. Overall, it's a well-balanced dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. Perfect for a special dinner or a weekend treat.
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Why trust this Cornmeal-Crusted Chicken Recipe:
This recipe combines the rich flavors of goat cheese and mild Italian sausage with the satisfying crunch of a cornmeal crust. The chicken breasts are stuffed to perfection, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful. The addition of cayenne and fresh parsley adds a delightful kick and freshness. With easy-to-follow steps and common ingredients, this dish is both accessible and impressive. Trust this recipe for a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home.
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