Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz. Stracchino di Nesso cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped pine nuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
Special equipment needed:
- Meat mallet
- Toothpicks
Step-by-step instructions:
a. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
b. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet until they are an even thickness.
c. In a small bowl, mix together the Stracchino di Nesso cheese, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts.
d. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
e. Spoon the cheese mixture onto each chicken breast, dividing it evenly.
f. Roll up the chicken breasts and secure with toothpicks.
g. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
h. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
i. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
j. Remove the toothpicks and serve.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
5. Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 36g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Stracchino di Nesso cheese can be substituted with any soft cheese, such as Brie or Camembert.
- Basil can be substituted with parsley or cilantro.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can be substituted with roasted red peppers.
- Pine nuts can be substituted with chopped almonds or walnuts.
Variations:
- Add chopped garlic to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
- Use prosciutto or bacon to wrap the chicken breasts instead of toothpicks.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet when cooking the chicken.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to pound the chicken breasts evenly to ensure they cook evenly.
- Don't overstuff the chicken breasts, or the filling may spill out during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the chicken breasts sliced on a bed of mixed greens or with roasted vegetables.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh basil leaves or chopped pine nuts.
Pairings:
Serve with a side of roasted potatoes or a simple green salad.
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a mixed green salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the chicken breasts are not cooking evenly, adjust the heat and cooking time accordingly.
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:
Stracchino di Nesso is a soft cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy. It is made from cow's milk and has a mild, creamy flavor.
Flavor profiles:
Creamy, savory, nutty, and slightly sweet.
Serving suggestions:
Serve with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Pinot Noir.
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Region: Italian