Crab-Stuffed Free-Range Chicken Breast

While this free-range meets fruits-du-mer dish has plenty of elements, it can be prepared in the 15 minutes the chicken spends in the oven. Storebought basil oil can be substituted, but those with access to fresh basil and a blender will love the results.

Crab-Stuffed Free-Range Chicken Breast

6 oz (170 g) Dungeness crabmeat (fresh or canned)
1 red pepper, diced
2 green onions, diced
4 oz (115 g) goat cheese
Salt and pepper
3 Tbsp (45 mL) butter or extra virgin olive oil
4 free range chicken breasts (skin on or off)

Mix crab, red pepper, green onion, and goat cheese in medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Using sharp knife, make lengthwise incisions into each chicken breast. Place one quarter of crab mixture into each breast pocket. Seal with toothpick.

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Heat ovenproof frying pan and add butter or oil. Ease chicken breasts skin side down into pan so butter or oil does not splatter and brown for 2 minutes. Turn breasts over in pan and place frying pan in oven. Cook 15 minutes.

Root Vegetable Hash

1 1/2 cups (375 mL) diced small red potatoes
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) diced carrots
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) diced butternut squash
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) diced white onion
2 Tbsp (30 mL) extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp (30 mL) brown sugar
Salt and pepper

Cut all vegetables into 1/2-in (1-cm) cubes. Boil potatoes in water until fork pierces through easily, about 4 minutes. Heat olive oil in frying pan over high heat, and saut?nions until translucent, about 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and add carrots, squash, and potatoes. Cook until fork pierces them easily, about 6 minutes. Add brown sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.

Basil Oil

1/2 cup (125 mL) basil leaves
1/2 cup (125 mL) grapeseed oil
Salt and pepper to taste

While bringing a saucepan of water to boil, fill medium bowl with water and ice cubes. Blanch basil for 5 seconds in boiling water, remove, and immediately place in ice water. Drain. Place basil and oil in blender and blend on high for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; then strain through fine mesh sieve.

To serve, spoon equal amounts of the Root Vegetable Hash on the centre of each of 4 plates, top with Crab-stuffed Chicken Breast and dress with Basil Oil for extra colour and flavour. Serves 4.

source: "The Gramercy Guide to Better Cooking", alive #279, January 2006