Batali's Chicken

As a huge Batali fan, I had no doubt that his stuffed Herb and Cheese Filled Chicken Thigh recipe would fall nothing short of awesome. Sure enough, it's a definite crowd pleaser even for those who aren't the 'thigh' type, like yours truly. I served it with a Spicy Caesar Salad and Pizza with Charred Cherry Tomatoes and Pesto.  It was divine. And best of all, unlike most of Batali's dishes, this chicken dish isn't that unhealthy (besides the fat in the thigh) but I don't think you should count that since it's protein. How else are you supposed to grow?

Batali's Herb and Cheese-Filled Chicken Thighs:

PC: Food & Wine

Recipe after the jump:

Herb-and-Cheese-Filled Chicken Thighs

Servings: 8
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups fresh bread crumbs
1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (4 1/2 oz)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup grated Provolone cheese (1 1/2 oz)
1/2 cup coarsely chopped basil
1/4 cup coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley
Finely grated zest of 2 lemons
1 tbsp finely chopped rosemary
16 boneless chicken thighs with skin (about 5 ounces each) *I used boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1. Salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 450°. In a medium bowl, combine the fresh bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, Provolone, chopped basil, chopped parsley, lemon zest and rosemary. Set the chicken thighs, skin side down, on a work surface and season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Mound 1/4 cup of the herb-and-cheese filling on each thigh. Fold the sides of the thighs over the filling to enclose it and tie each chicken thigh in 2 or 3 places with kitchen string. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. Arrange the stuffed chicken thighs on a large, rimmed baking sheet and roast for about 35 minutes, or until golden brown. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes, then discard the strings and serve.

MAKE AHEAD The uncooked, stuffed chicken thighs can be refrigerated overnight. Let them return to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe. NOTES

For easy clean-up, line the baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil.

Cooking Club Tip Making your own breadcrumbs is easy. Simply place torn stale bread or toasted bread in the food processor and grind well.