Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto-Crusted Chicken Breast over Creamy Herb Polenta

Robert Irvine

Copyright 2006, Robert Irvine, All Rights Reserved

Show: Dinner: ImpossibleEpisode: Race on the Rails: Dinner Train: Impossible

Picture of Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto-Crusted Chicken Breast over Creamy Herb Polenta Recipe Photo: Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto-Crusted Chicken Breast over Creamy Herb Polenta Recipe
Rated 5 stars out of 5
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Total Time:
1 hr 50 min
Prep
20 min
Cook
1 hr 30 min
Yield:
6 servings
Level:
Intermediate
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Directions

For the chicken with sun-dried tomato pesto crust:

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes from a jar
  • 2 garlic cloves, quartered
  • 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 6 (6-ounce) chicken breasts, with wing bone, skin on

For the creamy polenta:

  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup freshly shredded Cheddar
  • 3 tablespoons chopped scallions
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

For the pesto crust:

Blend sun-dried tomatoes, garlic cloves and basil leaves in a food processor. Stir in Parmesan and add salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside briefly. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breast with pepper only. (The Parmesan in the pesto will provide salt.) Brown both sides of chicken, beginning with skin side first. Coat chicken with pesto and roast in oven for 25 to 35 minutes, or until fork tender.

For the polenta:

Combine chicken stock and cream in a large heavy saucepan. Heat to a gentle boil over medium heat, being careful not to burn. While whisking constantly, gradually add the cornmeal in a thin stream. Once cornmeal is incorporated, keep heat low and continue to whisk until mixture is slightly thickened and creamy. Stir in butter and Cheddar and allow cheese to melt. Season with pepper, (and salt if needed). Spoon polenta onto serving plate, top with chicken breast and garnish with chopped scallions.

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Newest Ratings and Reviews

Read all 20 reviews

  • on August 27, 2011

    Flag

    I don't have a blender so I used a mortar & pestle to blend the tomatoes, basil, garlic & parmesan cheese. Took a long time but was well worth the effort.
    I also haven't cooked polenta before. I found it to be a little bland, so I added spring onions to it - to add a crunchiness.
    I also used chicken drumsticks which the pesto really didn't stick to, but the flavour was absolutely devine.
    My husband loved it, and that is the main thing right? hehe

    people found this review Helpful.
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  • on December 05, 2010

    Flag

    This was great! I used chicken breast and a jar of pre made tomato pesto. I added freshly grated parmesan to the pesto. The polenta was creamy and a great addition to the meal. Will definitely make again.

    people found this review Helpful.
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  • on August 28, 2010

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    This is so flavorful and easy to prepare. Pretty on the plate, too. You can't go wrong with this one.

    people found this review Helpful.
    Was this review helpful to you? Yes | No
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