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Herb-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Herb-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Fresh rosemary and thyme infuse the stuffing for roasted chicken breasts; the herbs are also used in the breadcrumb coating. Snap peas and baby carrots are ideal accompaniments.

Martha Stewart Living, May 2002 http://www.marthastewart.com/131583/herb-stuffed-chicken-breasts
2.57143
Rated
51.4286100(7)7
  • Yield Serves 4

Ingredients

    • 2 whole boneless and skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/3 pounds), halved
    • 1 cup homemade or low-sodium canned chicken stock, skimmed of fat

  • For the Garnish

    • 2 slices whole-wheat bread
    • 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard

  • For the Leek Mixture

    • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
    • 4 leeks, white and light-green parts, washed well and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
    • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
    • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

  • For the Seasoning

    • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
    • 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium heat. Add leeks, and cook 4 minutes. Add 2 teaspoons each rosemary and thyme; cook 1 minute more. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Transfer to a medium bowl; let cool.
  2. Using a sharp knife, carve a pocket in the center of each chicken breast by inserting the tip into the thickest part and cutting an opening (leaving about 1 inch uncut on each side), being careful not to cut all the way through the breast. Place 2 tablespoons leek mixture in each pocket. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts, and saute until golden, about 3 minutes on each side. Remove from heat, and transfer to clean work surface.
  3. Place bread in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade, and process until fine crumbs form. Transfer breadcrumbs to a bowl. Add remaining teaspoon rosemary and 1 teaspoon thyme. Season with the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Spread 1 teaspoon mustard over one side of each chicken breast, and cover with about 3 tablespoons herbed breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Drizzle remaining teaspoon oil over all.
  4. Place skillet in oven; roast chicken until it is golden and cooked through, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven; transfer chicken to serving dish, and cover with foil while you make the sauce. Place skillet over medium heat, and add chicken stock; deglaze pan, stirring to loosen any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking until stock is reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat; add remaining teaspoon thyme. Serve with the chicken.

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