Chicken Breasts Stuffed w Mozzarella& Ham wt Tomato Sauce

* Exported from MasterCook *

Chicken Breasts Stuffed w Mozzarella & Ham wt Tomato Sauce

Recipe By : Tesco Recipe Collection, Issue Four 1997
Serving Size : 4 Preparation Time :0:40
Categories : Entertaining Main Courses
Poultry Sauces And Stocks

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
--- CHICKEN BREASTS ---
4 large chicken breasts -- skin left on
5 tbsp olive oil
150 g mozzarella cheese -- drained and cubed
1/4 tsp dried rosemary -- ...or...
1 small fresh rosemary sprig, divided into leaves -- plus
extra garnish
4 slices cooked ham or prosciutto crudo -- cut into thin strips
wooden cocktail sticks -- to secure
1/2 glass dry white wine
salt and freshly ground black pepper
--- GARLIC, TOMATO AND BASIL SAUCE ---
3 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic -- peeled and crushed
400 g can premium chopped tomatoes
9 fresh basil leaves -- torn in small pieces
salt and freshly ground black pepper

CHICKEN BREASTS STUFFED WITH MOZZARELLA AND HAM

This deliciously simple idea makes the most of the silky texture and
delicate flavour of the cheese. If you want to, serve with a rich tomato
sauce or vary the flavour with different herbs.

Serves 4
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Calories/Fat per serving: 649 cals/54g
Cost per serving: £1.90

1. Make a deep slit in the side of each chicken breast to form a pocket.
Brush the inside of each pocket with a little oil, then season with salt
and pepper. Divide the mozzarella, rosemary and ham among the four
pockets. Seal each pocket closed with two wooden cocktail sticks.

2. Heat the remaining oil in a large, lidded frying pan and seal the
chicken on either side until golden brown, then pour the wine over. Burn
off the alcohol for 2 minutes, then season.

3. Lower the heat, cover and simmer gently for 25 minutes or until the
chicken is cooked through. Remove the cocktail sticks, garnish with
rosemary and serve with the Garlic, Tomato and Basil Sauce.

GARLIC, TOMATO AND BASIL SAUCE

A rich, glossy tomato sauce that will complement many dishes.

Serves 4
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Calories/Fat per serving: 132 cals / 11g
Cost per serving: 30p

1. Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed pan and gently fry the garlic until
soft. Pour in the tomatoes, cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until the
sauce is thick and glossy.

2. Stir in the basil leaves and season with salt and pepper. Serve with
the Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Mozzarella and Ham.


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Suggested Wine: Tesco Merlot del Piave (see notes)

NOTES : Wine Notes (Alice King) : With the chicken you could successfully
serve a full-bodied white such as an Australian or Tesco New
Zealand Chardonnay, but the tomatoes in teh sauce would sway me to
opt for a red. Tesco Merlot del Piave has just the right amount of
plummy medium-bodied fruit with a hint of chocolate and violets on
the finish - enough richness to cope admirably with the garlic and
basil in the sauce.