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Mediterranean Chicken

Mediterranean Chicken

Ingredients

  • 1/3 pound provolone cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes

  • 1/3 pound salami, finely chopped

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated

  • 1 small red chili pepper, such as Fresno, finely chopped

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied (slit horizontally, then opened like a book)

  • Salt and pepper

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

  • 1/2 cup red wine

  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 ounces)

  • 1/4-1/2 cup chicken stock

  • A few basil leaves, torn

  • Crusty bread, for mopping

Directions

Pre-heat the oven to 400°F. Combine the cheese, salami, onion, parsley, garlic and chili pepper. Pound the chicken slightly and lightly season with salt and pepper. Arrange the cheese-salami mixture over half of each chicken breast. Fold the other half over and secure with toothpicks if necessary.

In a large skillet, heat the EVOO, two turns of the pan, over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning once, until browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet; place in the oven and cook through, 10-12 minutes. Let rest briefly, then slice crosswise.

Meanwhile, pour the wine into the skillet to deglaze the pan. Stir in the tomatoes and chicken stock. Cover the skillet and simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes. Top the chicken with the sauce and basil; serve with the crusty bread for mopping.