Erin’s Easy Eats

Now, depending on who you are, the picture down there might not look so appetizing.  But I promise this was one of the most well received dinners at my house in a long time, and I quickly put it into the category of “company dinners.”  Not that we ever have company for dinner (and if we do, we normally just order pizza) but if I *did* have to cook something nice for guests, this is on the short list of things I’d maybe choose.

The chicken is stuffed with a mixture of shallots, garlic, goat cheese, sundried tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar.  It cooks in a non-stick pan, and then rests while you make a quick sauce of thyme, more shallots, and a little more vinegar (and some broth.)  I served it over whole wheat pasta, but orzo, or even veggies could work.

Combine:

• 1 c. hot water
• 1/3 c. sundried tomatoes (not packed in oil)

Let stand until tomatoes are soft (about 20 minutes,) drain and chop finely

Over medium heat, cook

• 1/3 c. chopped shallots
• 2 tsp. sugar
• 3 cloves chopped garlic

with a little oil, until onion becomes translucent and mixture is lightly browned (about 4 minutes.)  In a small bowl, mix this with the sundried tomatoes and 4 0z. goat cheese.  Add 1 Tbs balsamic vinegar and mix well.  Set aside.

Take your 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and pound them until they are even in thickness, but be careful not to overpound, becuase you have to cut a pocket in them.  (I used two huge breasts, cut them in half, and then pounded them.)  Cut a horizontal slit in each breast to form a pocket, and stuff with about 2 Tbs of the cheese/tomato mixture.  Sprinkle the outside with salt and pepper.  I sealed mine with toothpicks, but I’m not sure it was necessary.  Cook over medium heat until chicken is cooked through, about 6 minutes per side.  Remove from pan, and keep warm.

To the pan, add

• 1/4 c. chopped shallots
• 2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 tsp. dried thyme
• 3/4 c. chicken broth

Bring to a boil, then mix in

• 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with…
• 2 tsp water

Whisk until thickened.  Serve with chicken and your choice of side dish.

Tags: chicken, cooking light, healthy, pasta, recipes