STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS W/ CHEESE, TOMATO, AND BASIL

STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS W/ CHEESE, TOMATO, AND BASIL image

Number Of Ingredients 8

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