Italian Chicken with Pesto Potatoes

Filling the pockets of each chicken breast with mozzarella guarantees that the chicken itself is beautifully tender. The chicken can be prepared in advance and then baked at the last minute.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 55 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Calories: 473 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• ¾ cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons prepared basil pesto
• 4 ½ ounces sliced mozzarella cheese
• 4 slices Parma ham
• 1 pound small potatoes

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Step 2

In a saucepan, bring the vinegar to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.

Step 3

Cut a pocket in each chicken breast. Fill each pocket with an equal amount of mozzarella cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Wrap each chicken breast with a slice of ham. Arrange the wrapped chicken breasts in a baking dish. Place the tomatoes around the chicken, sprinkle all with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

Step 4

Bake 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear.

Step 5

In a saucepan with enough lightly salted water to cover, boil the potatoes 15 minutes, or until tender. Drain, return to the pan, and coat with the pesto.

Step 6

Place chicken breasts, tomatoes, and potatoes on serving plates, and drizzle with the reduced balsamic vinegar to serve.