Garlic & Herb Chicken

Garlic & herb chicken is a delicious and elegant dish that combines tender chicken breast fillets with flavorful herbed and garlicky soft cheese, wrapped in savory Parma ham. This recipe serves 4 and is perfect for a special dinner or gathering. The chicken breasts are stuffed with a creamy and herby soft cheese, then wrapped with Parma ham to seal in the flavors and create a beautiful presentation. The chicken is simmered in a mixture of red wine, chicken stock, and Demerara sugar, infusing it with rich and savory flavors. Once cooked, the chicken is sliced and served with a reduction of the flavorful sauce. Pair it with a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Garlic & herb chicken is sure to impress your guests and become a favorite dish for any occasion.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 skinless chicken breast fillets
• 100g/4oz full-fat soft cheese flavored with herbs and garlic
• 8 slices Parma ham
• 150ml/5fl oz red wine
• 150ml/5fl oz chicken stock
• 25g/1oz Demerara sugar

PREPARATION:

1. Using a sharp knife, make a horizontal slit along the length of each chicken breast to form a pocket.
2. Beat the herbed and garlicky soft cheese with a wooden spoon to soften it. Spoon the cheese into the pocket of each chicken breast.
3. Wrap 2 slices of Parma ham around each chicken breast, ensuring they cover the cheese filling, and secure them firmly in place with string.
4. Pour the red wine and chicken stock into a large frying pan and bring it to a boil. Once it starts boiling, add the Demerara sugar and stir well to dissolve.
5. Add the chicken breasts to the mixture in the frying pan. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the chicken for 12-15 minutes until it becomes tender and the juices run clear.
6. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan, set it aside, and keep it warm. Reheat the sauce and let it boil until it reduces and thickens to a desired consistency.
7. Remove the string from the chicken breasts, then cut them into slices. Pour the sauce over the sliced chicken, and serve it hot with a side of green salad.

YIELD: This recipe serves 4.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Make sure to securely wrap the Parma ham around the chicken breasts to prevent it from unraveling during cooking.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.

TIPS:

• Use flavored soft cheese with herbs and garlic for added depth of flavor in the stuffing. If flavored cheese is unavailable, you can mix plain soft cheese with minced garlic and chopped herbs such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary.
• Serve the garlic & herb chicken with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a satisfying and complete meal.

In conclusion, garlic & herb chicken is a delightful and elegant dish that features tender chicken breast fillets stuffed with herbed and garlicky soft cheese, wrapped in savory Parma ham. This recipe serves 4 and is perfect for a special dinner or gathering.

To prepare garlic & herb chicken, make a horizontal slit along the length of each chicken breast to create a pocket. Beat the herbed and garlicky soft cheese to soften it and spoon it into the pocket of each chicken breast. Wrap each chicken breast with 2 slices of Parma ham, securing them firmly with string.

In a large frying pan, combine red wine, chicken stock, and Demerara sugar, then bring it to a boil. Add the chicken breasts to the pan and simmer for 12-15 minutes until the chicken becomes tender and the juices run clear.

Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the pan, set them aside, and keep them warm. Reheat the sauce and allow it to reduce and thicken to a desired consistency.

Remove the string from the chicken breasts and slice them. Pour the sauce over the sliced chicken and serve it hot with a side of green salad for a refreshing contrast.

Impress your guests with the flavorful and visually appealing garlic & herb chicken. The herbed and garlicky soft cheese stuffing adds a creamy and aromatic element to the dish, while the Parma ham provides a savory and crispy touch.

Customize the dish by using flavored soft cheese with your preferred herbs and spices. Serve the garlic & herb chicken with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.

So, give this delicious garlic & herb chicken recipe a try and elevate your dinner table with its impressive flavors and presentation.