Cheesy Basil-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

By á-172

Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (see note)
• 1/4 cup minced fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 to 8 ounces each)
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

Preparation

Step 1

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 425 degrees. Combine cheese, 2 tablespoons basil, cream, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste in medium bowl.

2. Cut pocket in chicken breasts, stuff with cheese mixture, and seal (see photos 1 through 3 of "How to Stuff Chicken Breasts" below). Transfer stuffed breasts to 13 by 9-inch baking dish and spread tops evenly with mayonnaise.

3. Combine bread crumbs, remaining garlic, remaining 2 tablespoons basil, and 1 tablespoon oil. Sprinkle crumb mixture over chicken, pressing lightly to adhere.

4. Toss tomatoes with remaining tablespoon oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste. Arrange in baking dish around chicken. Bake until crumbs are golden brown and thickest part of chicken registers 160 degrees on instant-read thermometer, about 25 minutes. Serve.