Pesto Stuffed Chicken Thighs ๐
Overview:
This delightful recipe for Pesto Stuffed Chicken Thighs is a personal favorite of mine, especially when hosting an informal dinner party or craving a comforting meal bursting with flavor. The combination of tender chicken thighs, aromatic basil pesto, and savory tomato sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress your guests or satisfy your family’s taste buds. Plus, with a total preparation and cooking time of just 50 minutes, it’s a convenient option for busy weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 1077.3
- Fat Content: 82.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 18.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 179.4mg
- Sodium Content: 377mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 27.5g
- Fiber Content: 7.3g
- Sugar Content: 12.2g
- Protein Content: 42.6g
- Serving Size: 4 servings
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
6 | Chicken Thighs |
8 | Pesto Sauce |
3 | Olive Oil |
2 | Onions |
2 | Chopped Tomatoes |
1 | Tomato Puree |
1 | Fresh Basil Leaf |
1/4 | White Wine |
1 | Orange Bell Pepper |
1 | Ground Paprika |
1 | Basil Leaves |
2 | Salt |
2 | Fresh Ground Black Pepper |
1 | Garlic Cloves |
1 | Butter |
1 | Parmesan Cheese |
Instructions:
-
Prepare Pesto Stuffed Chicken Thighs:
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-
Sautรฉ Chicken Thighs:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy-based saucepan.
- Sautรฉ chicken thighs in batches until lightly browned all over.
- Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and set aside.
-
Prepare Tomato Sauce:
- Heat the remaining olive oil in the same pan.
- Add onions and sautรฉ for about 3 minutes until they become translucent.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, and fresh basil leaves.
- Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
-
Enhance with White Wine:
- Pour in white wine and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Season the sauce to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Lay the sliced orange bell pepper in a large ovenproof dish.
- Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the peppers.
- Place the sautรฉed chicken thighs on top of the sauce.
- Sprinkle ground paprika over the chicken for an extra kick of flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
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Garnish and Serve:
- Once cooked, garnish the dish with a few more fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added freshness.
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Prepare Pesto Sauce:
- In a blender or food processor, combine all the ingredients for the pesto sauce.
- Blend until smooth and well combined.
- This homemade pesto sauce adds a burst of vibrant flavor to the stuffed chicken thighs.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Pesto Stuffed Chicken Thighs hot straight from the oven.
- Accompany with your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
- Enjoy the tender chicken infused with the rich flavors of pesto and tomato sauce, creating a satisfying and memorable meal experience for all.
Recipe Tips:
- For a twist on this recipe, swap the traditional basil pesto for a sun-dried tomato version to add a different flavor profile and depth to the dish.
- Ensure to properly season both the chicken thighs and the tomato sauce with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- To save time, you can prepare the pesto sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Don’t skip the step of sautรฉing the chicken thighs before baking them in the oven. This helps seal in the juices and adds a golden crust to the outside of the chicken for extra flavor and texture.
With its tantalizing aroma and delicious taste, these Pesto Stuffed Chicken Thighs are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting meal, this dish ticks all the boxes for flavor, convenience, and satisfaction. Try it out and let your taste buds be delighted! ๐