Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Kitchen twine
- Meat mallet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a food processor, combine the basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil. Pulse until smooth.
3. Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board and use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness.
4. Spread a generous amount of the pistou mixture over each chicken breast.
5. Roll up the chicken breasts tightly and secure with kitchen twine.
6. Season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
7. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 390
Fat: 27g
Protein: 33g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 360mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of nut in place of pine nuts, such as almonds or walnuts.
- If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried basil instead.
- You can use any type of hard cheese in place of Parmesan cheese, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
Variations:
- You can add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the pistou mixture for added flavor.
- Instead of chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs or pork tenderloin.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the chicken breasts for a clean cut.
- If you don't have kitchen twine, you can use toothpicks to secure the chicken breasts.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the chicken sliced on a bed of greens or with roasted vegetables.
Garnishes:
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or chopped nuts.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Quinoa salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the chicken breasts are not cooked through, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Pistou is a French sauce made with basil, garlic, and olive oil. It is similar to Italian pesto but does not contain pine nuts or Parmesan cheese.
Flavor profiles:
- The chicken is savory and juicy, while the pistou adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the chicken with a glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
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Region: French