Chicken breast stuffed with parma ham and shallots

Serves 6

• 2tbsp olive oil/2 shallots/8 small mushrooms finely chopped
• 50g/2oz cream cheese
• 9 thin slices of Parma ham, finely chopped
• 3tbsp chopped parsley/2tbsp chopped basil
• 125g/4oz soft butter/ squeeze of lemon juice
• 6 chicken breast fillets, with skin
• White wine for cooking

Method

• Gently fry shallots in the olive oil until softened, but not browned. Add mushrooms and continue cooking until reduced and softened.
• Remove from heat, allow to cool, adding cheese, Parma ham, and half of parsley. Season and mix well.
• Allow to cool completely.
• Now make herb butter. Beat 3oz butter until soft, and then add remaining parsley, lemon juice, basil and season.
• Transfer onto a sheet of greaseproof paper; shape into a cylinder in the paper. Chill until firm.
• Carefully cut a pocket in the side of each chicken breast.
• Spoon the chilled stuffing in the pocket. Secure the stuffing by wrapping a piece of Parma ham tightly around each chicken breast.
• Lay the chicken, in a roasting dish, pour a little white in the base of the dish.
• Brush with remaining butter, cover with grease proof season and roast at 180C for 20-25 mins, until cooked right through.
• Cut herb butter into thin slices and place on top of chicken breasts. Garnish with fresh parsley and basil. Delicious!