Title: Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Orzo
Categories: Poultry Pasta Main
Yield: 4 Servings
| 1/2 | c | Uncooked orzo or riso pasta |
| 3/4 | c | Low-sodium chicken broth (or water) |
| | | Salt; as desired |
| 1 | ts | Freshly ground black pepper |
| 1 | tb | Olive oil |
| 1 | sm | Onion peeled & coarsely diced |
| 2 | tb | Minced garlic |
| 2 | | Anchovy fillets; chopped |
| 1/4 | c | Tightly packed, fresh basil |
| 1 | | Egg white |
| 1 | tb | Dry bread crumbs |
| 4 | lg | Chicken breast halves boned |
| 1/3 | c | Marsala |
| 1/4 | c | Balsamic or red wine vinegar |
| 3 | tb | Olive oil |
COMBINE PASTA AND BROTH in a small pot, cover, place over medium-high heat,
bring to a boil and cook 5 minutes, or until barely soft. Remove from heat
and transfer contents of the pot to a work bowl. Add salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a medium skillet on the
stove, add the onions, garlic and anchovies and cook, stirring
occasionally, until onions are softened, about 8 to 10 minutes. Scrape the
mixture into a food processor, add basil and puree until coarsely ground.
Add onion mixture to the pasta in the mixing bowl and add egg white and
bread crumbs. Mix well. Chill in the refrigerator. Pull the tenderloins off
the meat side of each breast and set aside. Remove the skin in 1 piece and
set aside. Place breasts between layers of plastic wrap or wax paper and
flatten to a 3/8-inch thickness. Gently flatten the tenderloins. Lay the
breasts down on what was their skin side and place about 1/3 cup stuffing
on each breast, leaving a 1-inch border. Gather up the edges around the
stuffing as best you can. Lay a tenderloin on the opening and wrap each
bundle with the skin. Preheat oven to 350F. Place the bundles in a baking
dish just large enough to hold them comfortably. Pour in Marsala and
vinegar, cover and place in oven for 20 minutes. Arrange the chicken on a
platter and pour the cooking juices into a saucepan. Place saucepan over
high heat and boil until reduced by half. Remove from the heat, pour the
sauce into a mixing bowl and vigorously whisk in 3 tablespoons olive oil.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and serve immediately.