Havarti Stuffed BBQ Chicken
preheat your oven to 375/400
I used two chicken breasts and whatever havarti I had leftover in the freezer.
After trimming my chicken I cut a pocket into the thicker end and stuffed a chunk of havarti in, taking smaller pieces and laid them in the center of the rest of the breast because I knew I would be tying the chicken up. (do this to both pieces)
Then used to deli twine (or whatever you call it) and tied up the chicken to wrap up the havarti that didn’t have a pocket. Season all sides with salt, pepper and Kinder’s All Purpose seasoning.
BBQ Sauce - I used whatever was in my fridge and added a splash of Apple Cider Vinegar (I am weird about BBQ sauce) I would have made my own, but I was slacking on the meal prep part of the week 😂
Slather that on both sides and pop those bad boys in the oven. About half way through cooking, I pull them out and slather on the rest of the BBQ mixture.
Bake to temp, cut your twine and have it.
I paired it with some good ole craft mac n cheese and zucchini 🤗☺️ #bbqrecipes #chickentakeover #chickenrecipeideas #bakedchickenbreast #stuffedchickenbreast
After making this incredible Havarti Stuffed BBQ Chicken, I just had to share a bit more about why Havarti cheese is such a star, especially in recipes like this! Many of you might be wondering, 'is Havarti a good melting cheese?' and 'does Havarti cheese melt well?' My experience is a resounding YES! Its semi-soft texture and creamy consistency make it absolutely perfect for melting. It gets beautifully gooey without separating or becoming oily, which is exactly what you want when you're stuffing it into chicken. It holds its shape just enough to stay in the pocket while baking, but then oozes out deliciously when you cut into it. Beyond its fantastic melting properties, Havarti cheese itself is a wonderfully versatile dairy product. It has a mild, buttery flavor with a hint of tang, making it a crowd-pleaser and a great base for many dishes. I often get asked about the nutritional value of Havarti cheese, and while I'm no nutritionist, I know it's a good source of calcium and protein, like most cheeses. Of course, all in moderation! It's definitely a treat that adds a luxurious touch to any meal. If you loved this chicken and Havarti cheese recipe, you'll be happy to know there are so many other ways to combine these two! Instead of stuffing, you could try slicing Havarti and layering it over chicken breasts baked with marinara for a cheesy chicken parmesan twist. Or, shred it and mix it into a creamy sauce for a Havarti chicken pasta bake. For a quicker meal, I sometimes just melt a slice over grilled chicken with some sautéed mushrooms. The possibilities for chicken and Havarti cheese recipes are truly endless! And speaking of other uses for Havarti, have you ever thought about fried Havarti cheese? It's a game-changer for appetizers! Imagine little crispy, golden-brown bites of melted Havarti – so decadent. A simple flour, egg, breadcrumb coating, and a quick fry turn this mild cheese into an irresistible snack or a fancy salad topping. It’s a totally different experience from melting it in chicken, but equally delicious. So next time you grab a block of Havarti, don't just think about sandwiches; think about all the amazing dishes it can elevate, especially with chicken!
