Pressed Chicken Breasts With Dried Cherries
This delightful recipe combines succulent chicken breasts with a flavorful blend of sweet dried cherries and aromatic seasonings. Each bite reveals a burst of savory and slightly fruity flavors, making this dish a perfect centerpiece for any meal. The chicken is tender and juicy, with a lovely hint of lemon and herbs that complement the rich cherry stuffing. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Serve this impressive creation to impress your guests or enjoy a special meal with your loved ones.
— Constant Cookbook
Ingredients
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, each
- 6 to 7 oz.
- 1 cup pitted dried sweet cherries
- 2 large shallots, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 Tbs. olive oil
- Grated zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 tsp. dried summer savory
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp. coarse salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper, or to taste
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley sprigs
Instructions
- Working with 1 chicken breast half at a time, place the meat flat on a cutting board. Holding the meat firmly in place, use a small, sharp knife to cut a horizontal slit down 1 side and through the center of the meat, leaving 3 sides uncut.
- Spoon one-eighth of the dried cherries into each pocket. Firmly press on each breast with your hand to flatten the meat and seal the edges together. Arrange in a single layer in a nonaluminum dish.
- In a small bowl, stir together the shallots, lemon juice, olive oil, lemon zest, summer savory, thyme, salt and pepper. Spoon the shallot mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or for up to 24 hours.
- Preheat a broiler. Transfer the chicken to a broiler pan, reserving the marinade, and place under the broiler about 4 inches from the heat source. Broil until the meat is browned on top, 4 to 5 minutes.
- While the chicken is browning, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil and remove from the heat.
- Remove the chicken from the broiler. Set the oven at 375°F. Transfer the chicken pieces to a shallow baking dish large enough to hold them in a single layer. Pour the marinade over the meat and set another baking dish directly on top of the meat. Roast until the juices run clear when the meat is pierced at the thickest point, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and set 2 or 3 heavy cans or 1 or 2 bricks in the top (empty) baking dish to weight it down. Let rest for at least 20 minutes or for up to 30 minutes before serving.
- Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and cut across the grain into slices. Arrange on a warmed platter, revealing the cherry stuffing. Spoon the dish juices over the top. Garnish with parsley.
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