Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Basil Walnut Butter - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3/4 cup toasted walnuts
2 cups basil leaves, gently packed
1 clove garlic, peeled and finely chopped
1 grated lemon, zest of
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (3/4 stick)
3/4 teaspoon salt
4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 1 to 2 pounds
additional salt & freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

To make basil walnut butter: Finely chop walnuts and basil leaves.
Place walnuts, basil, garlic, lemon zest, 5 T of butter and salt in bowl of an electric mixer.
Using paddle attachment, mix on medium-high until butter is smooth.
Using a sharp thin-bladed knife, cut a large pocket in each chicken breast by inserting it horizontally into thickest end and carefully slicing from side to side without piercing the edges of breast.
Divide butter in 4 parts and use your fingers to stuff each pocket with a portion.
Don't worry if it spills out slightly; they will seem quite full.
Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
Melt remaining 1 T of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
When it sizzles, lower chicken breast into pan, cover tightly, and reduce heat to low.
Cook for 5 minutes or until nicely browned, then turn chicken over and continue to cook, covered, for 5 to 7 minutes longer or until there is no sign of translucency when you peek inside one of the pockets.
Some of the basil butter will have spilled out of the chicken to create a sauce in the pan.
Transfer the chicken to a warm platter or individual serving plates and spoon the sauce over the top.
Serve immediately.