Pesto Stuffed Chicken Thighs 🍗

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:

Instructions:

1. Prepare Pesto Stuffed Chicken Thighs:

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   • Spread a little pesto under the skin of each chicken thigh.

2. Sauté Chicken Thighs:

   • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy-based saucepan.
   • Sauté chicken thighs in batches until lightly browned all over.
   • Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and set aside.

3. Prepare Tomato Sauce:

   • Heat the remaining olive oil in the same pan.
   • Add onions and sauté 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.

4. 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.

5. Assemble and Bake:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Lay the sliced orange bell pepper in a large ovenproof dish.
   • Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the peppers.
   • Place the sautéed 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.

6. Garnish and Serve:

   • Once cooked, garnish the dish with a few more fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added freshness.

7. 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.

8. 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 sautéing 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! 🌟