Description
This Pear & Gorgonzola Chicken Bake features juicy, golden-seared chicken breasts topped with sweet roasted pears and a rich, creamy Gorgonzola cheese sauce. Finished with toasted walnuts and fresh thyme, this elegant sweet-and-savory chicken dinner is perfect for cozy family meals, holidays, or special occasions.
Ingredients
FOR THE CHICKEN
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–7 oz each)
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
FOR THE SAUCE AND TOPPING
1 small shallot, minced
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
4 oz Gorgonzola dolce cheese, crumbled and divided
2 firm-ripe Bosc or Anjou pears, cored and sliced ¼ inch thick
½ cup walnut halves
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tbsp honey (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 6–8 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to an even ¾-inch thickness. Pat dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate; the chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
4. Cook the Shallot: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced shallot and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
5. Prepare the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes until reduced by half. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat.
6. Add Gorgonzola: Stir 3 oz of Gorgonzola cheese into the warm sauce until melted and smooth. Avoid boiling to prevent separation.
7. Assemble the Bake: Arrange chicken breasts in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour creamy sauce over chicken. Layer pear slices on top and sprinkle with the remaining 1 oz of Gorgonzola.
8. Bake: Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For extra browning, broil for the final 2 minutes while watching carefully.
9. Rest and Garnish: Let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with toasted walnuts and fresh thyme. Drizzle with honey if desired.
10. Serve: Serve warm with mashed potatoes, wild rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Notes
Best Pears: Use firm-ripe Bosc or Anjou pears to maintain their shape during baking.
Cheese Choice: Gorgonzola dolce creates a smooth, mild, creamy sauce. Avoid overheating the cheese.
Juicy Chicken: Pound chicken breasts evenly and use a thermometer to prevent overcooking.
Crunchy Walnuts: Add toasted walnuts after baking to maintain their texture.
Optional Sweetness: A drizzle of honey enhances the sweet-and-savory flavors.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently, covered, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with pears and sauce
- Calories: 670 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 1160 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 60 g
- Cholesterol: 235 mg