CHICKEN BREASTS STUFFED WITH CHEESE, TOMATO, AND BASIL

Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Cheese, Tomato, and Basil image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 bone-in chicken breast halves (14 ounces each)
1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup drained oil-packed sun-dried tomato halves, about 8
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
Coarse salt and ground pepper
2 ounces Fontina or mozzarella cheese, cut into four pieces
2 teaspoons olive oil

Steps:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil; set aside. With a paring knife, cut a 1-inch-long slit in thick side of each breast. Insert knife, and without enlarging opening, carefully work around inside to form a pocket (make sure you do not go through the other side).
On a cutting board, pile basil, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, zest, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; finely chop. Divide mixture evenly, and spoon into breast pockets, spreading it around. Insert one piece of cheese in each breast pocket.
Close pockets, using 2 to 3 toothpicks per breast; arrange, skin side up, on baking sheet. Rub with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper. Roast until well browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted in thickest part of breast (avoiding bone) reads 165 degrees, 30 to 35 minutes. Let chicken rest 5 minutes; remove toothpicks before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 548 g, Fat 25 g, Protein 73 g