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Ingredients
1/2 cup (3 oz.) grated
Monterey jack cheese
1/2 cup (3 oz.) grated
cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons softened
butter
2 tablespoons chopped
parsley
1/4 teaspoon dried
tarragon (or 2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon)
1/2 teaspoon ground
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 skinless, boneless
chicken breasts
salt and pepper to taste
8 sheets phyllo dough (see
recipe description for more info)
4 tablespoons melted
butter
Directions
Preheat oven to 350° F.
Place both cheeses,
softened butter, parsley, tarragon, the 1/2 teaspoon
pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium mixing
bowl. Mix and mash the ingredients together until they
are well-blended and form
a stiff paste. (Tip: Mixing with a fork or large
wooden spoon at first, then finishing with your fingers works best.) Divide mixture into four
finger-shaped logs, each about 3 inches long. Set
aside.
Slice each chicken
breast into two thinner chicken breasts by slicing
horizontally through the center. Flatten each chicken
breast half by placing it between 2 sheets of waxed paper
or plastic wrap and pounding with a mallet until
breasts are about 1/4-inch thick and about 5-6 inches
across. Season chicken lightly with salt and pepper.
Place a cheese log in
the center of each breast, then roll and fold the
chicken around the cheese to enclose it completely.
Place two sheets of
phyllo
dough on a work surface. Brush the top sheet lightly with melted butter
using a soft-bristle pastry brush. Set a chicken breast in the
center of one of the narrower ends, then roll it up
in the phyllo, tucking the ends of the dough under to
enclose the chicken and make a neat package. Repeat this procedure
with the remaining chicken breasts. Place phyllo-wrapped
chicken breasts (folds down) in a 13x9-inch baking
dish (allowing some space between each) and brush
all surfaces with remaining melted
butter. Bake about 40-45 minutes or until sizzling and
golden brown. Serve immediately. |