Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 cup of pitted prunes, chopped
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh thyme
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh sage
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Special equipment needed:
- Meat mallet
- Toothpicks
- Baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board and pound them with a meat mallet until they are about 1/4 inch thick.
3. In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain.
4. In a bowl, mix together the chopped prunes, breadcrumbs, parsley, thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper.
5. Crumble the bacon into the bowl and mix well.
6. Spoon the stuffing mixture onto the center of each chicken breast.
7. Roll up the chicken breasts and secure them with toothpicks.
8. Heat the olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat.
9. Brown the chicken breasts on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
10. Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
11. Remove the toothpicks before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 34g
Sodium: 670mg
Sugar: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Dried prunes can be used instead of fresh prunes.
- Turkey bacon can be used instead of regular bacon.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Variations:
- Substitute the prunes with dried apricots or figs.
- Use different herbs, such as oregano or basil, in the stuffing mixture.
- Add some grated Parmesan cheese to the stuffing mixture for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to pound the chicken breasts evenly to ensure they cook evenly.
- Use toothpicks to secure the chicken breasts and prevent the stuffing from falling out.
- Brown the chicken breasts before baking to give them a nice golden color.
- Let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the chicken breasts in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the chicken breasts on a bed of greens or with roasted vegetables.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika.
Pairings:
Pair with a side of roasted sweet potatoes or mashed potatoes.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Rice pilaf
- Steamed green beans
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the stuffing falls out of the chicken breasts, use more toothpicks to secure them.
- If the chicken breasts are not cooked through after baking, return them to the oven for a few more minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Wash your hands and all surfaces that come into contact with raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination.
Food history:
The combination of prunes and bacon in a stuffing mixture is a classic French flavor pairing.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, salty, sweet, and herbaceous.
Serving suggestions:
Serve with a glass of white wine or a light beer.
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