There are few dishes that cheese can’t improve, and if you’re looking to spice up your chicken dinner, Jarlsberg is a great option. With chicken more popular than ever, households are looking for fun, creative ways to elevate America’s favorite protein.
You’ll love this cheese-stuffed chicken recipe and the Jarlsberg story, too!
What Makes Jarlsberg Cheese So Special
Jarlsberg is a Norwegian cheese made from cow’s milk. You’d be forgiven for mistaking it for Swiss cheese due to its large, round holes. It has a decidedly sweeter and nuttier flavor profile than Swiss, largely due to Gouda-like culturing and processing techniques.
The flavor (and the holes) are the result of Jarlsburg’s use of a specific bacterium called Propionibacterium shermanii. While the company itself dates back only to the 1950s, Norway’s traditional diet has relied on cheese and other cultured dairy products for centuries.
How to Bake Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breast
In addition to Jarlsberg, here are the ingredients you’ll need to bake a delicious chicken meal your family or guests won’t soon forget!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Jarlsberg cheese, shredded
- ½ cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Make the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix Jarlsberg cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the cheese mixture and secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Season & Sear:
- Season the outside of the chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Bake to Finish:
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Make a Quick Sauce (Optional):
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Stir butter into the pan drippings to create a simple sauce.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Remove toothpicks, spoon sauce over the chicken, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad.
Servings: 4
Time: 35 minutes
Why Jarlsberg Cheese Works
- Its mild, nutty flavor enhances the chicken without overpowering it.
- The creamy texture melts beautifully, creating a rich filling.
How Much Protein Is in Jarlsberg Cheese?
Traditional Jarlsberg cheese has 7-8 grams of protein per 1-ounce serving. The company also makes a reduced-fat version that still packs 7-9 ounces of protein but has half the fat of the standard cheese, 4 grams compared to 8.
Still, Jarlsberg has a lower fat content compared to Swiss cheese, which is one reason fans choose it.
Is Jarlsberg Cheese Lactose Free?
Yes! Jarlsberg cheese is naturally lactose-free because the lactose is separated from the whey during cheesemaking. Bacteria consume any remaining traces before the cheese matures.
We Love Cheese; Who Doesn’t?
Oryana Community Co-op features Cheese Island, a space dedicated to an expansive yet curated selection of local, domestic, and international cheeses hand-picked by cheese-loving pros! Shop quality cheese and so much more at both Oryana locations in Traverse City, and subscribe to our newsletter for more great recipes!
