Thursday, May 5, 2011

Pimiento Cheese Chicken

  • 1 slice applewood-smoked bacon
  • 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons minced green onions
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons diced pimientos
  • 1 tablespoon canola mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
Preheat oven to 350°.

Cook bacon in a large ovenproof skillet until crisp. Remove bacon, reserving drippings in pan; crumble bacon. Combine bacon, next 6 ingredients, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cut a 1-inch-wide slit into the thick end of each breast half; carefully cut down to the center of chicken to form a deep pocket. Divide cheese mixture evenly among pockets. Secure with wooden picks. Sprinkle chicken with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper.

Heat pan over medium-high heat. Add oil to drippings. Add chicken to pan; saute 4 minutes. Turn chicken over. Bake at 350° for 12 minutes; let stand for 5 minutes.