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Poached Chicken Breasts with Arugula Pesto Sauce

3.9

(17)

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 6

Ingredients

For arugula pesto sauce

3 cups packed arugula (about 3/4 pound), washed well and spun dry
1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted golden and cooled
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large garlic clove, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup hot water plus additional if desired
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
3 whole boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 1/4 pounds), halved

Preparation

  1. Make arugula pesto sauce:

    Step 1

    In a food processor pulse together all sauce ingredients except oil and water until arugula is chopped fine. With motor running add oil in a stream, blending mixture until smooth. Sauce may be made up to this point 1 week ahead and chilled, its surface covered with plastic wrap. Bring sauce to room temperature to continue. Stir in 1/4 cup hot water plus additional for thinner consistency if desired.

    Step 2

    In a 6-quart saucepan bring broth and water to a boil. Add chicken and simmer, covered, 9 minutes. Remove pan from heat and let chicken stand in cooking liquid, covered, until cooked through, about 20 minutes. Chicken may be poached 1 day ahead, cooled completely, uncovered, in cooking liquid, and chilled, covered. Bring chicken to room temperature to continue. Drain chicken and slice 1/4 inch thick. Serve chicken with sauce.

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