Rachael's Daytime Talk Show
Pesto-Presto Italian Flag Chicken -- 03/27/09

Pesto-Presto Italian Flag Chicken

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons pine nuts
  • 8-10 leaves basil, about a half a cup
  • 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, a handful
  • 1 5.4 ounce round of Boursin garlic and herb soft cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, a couple of handfuls
  • 4 tablespoons EVOO - Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 12 slices 1/2 inch thick of vine ripe tomato, 3 medium tomatoes

Yields: 4 servings

Preparation

Preheat oven to 450ºF. In a small pan over medium heat lightly toast the nuts then cool.

In the bowl of a food processor, combine the basil, parsley, pine nuts, Boursin cheese, 1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano (about a handful), some salt and pepper. Process into a smooth paste. Reserve.

Butterfly each of the chicken breasts and pound them out lightly in a plastic bag with a dash of water using a skillet or meat mallet. Season both sides of the chicken and divide the herb-cheese mixture between the four breasts, placing a scoop on one half of each breast. Fold the flap over to enclose the cheese mixture.

Step

Transfer the chicken pockets to a baking sheet and shingle 3 slices of tomato over each breast. Season with some salt and pepper, drizzle with about 2 tablespoons EVOO and sprinkle with the remaining Parmigiano Reggiano (about a handful).

Bake the chicken pockets until cooked through and light golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Serve with Garlic and Cheese Orzo alongside.