Herb stuffed chicken breasts
Instructions:
- 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
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 2 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/ 3 pounds), halved
- 2 slices whole-wheat bread
- 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 cup homemade or low-sodium storebought chicken stock, skimmed of fat
- Preheat the oven to 350ï€ F. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium heat. Add the 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.
- 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 the chicken breasts, and saute until golden, about 3 minutes on each side. Remove from heat, and transfer to a clean work surface.
- Place the bread in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade, and process until fine crumbs form. Transfer the bread crumbs to a bowl. Add the 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 bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Drizzle the remaining teaspoon oil over all.
- Place the skillet in the oven; roast the chicken until it is golden and cooked through, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven; transfer the chicken to a serving dish, and cover with foil while you make the sauce. Place the skillet over medium heat, and add the chicken stock; deglaze the pan, stirring to loosen any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking until the stock is reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat; add the remaining teaspoon thyme. Serve with the chicken.