Tarla Cuisine

Grilled Prosciutto-wrapped chicken stuffed with mozzarella

6 medium chicken breast halves, boneless and skinless

salt and pepper to taste

spice rub of choice

16 basil leaves

1/3 lb. mozzarella, thinly sliced

6 thin slices prosciutto

2 Tbsp. olive oil

Cut each chicken breast half horizontally almost al the way through and open it like a book.  Sprinkle with salt, pepper and spice rub.  Layer the basil and mozzarella evenly on half of each breast and then fold it closed.  Wrap a slice of prosciutto around each breast to hold it closed.  Brush slightly on both sides with olive oil.

Preheat a gas grill and grill chicken breasts, covered, until well marked, about 4 minutes.  Flip and cook, turning every few minutes, until the chicken is just firm.  Or, preheat a cookie sheet in a 400F oven and preheat a sauté pan and sear the breasts on both sides.  Transfer chicken breasts to the cookie sheet and roast in the oven for 3 – 4 minutes per side.  Let cool for a couple minutes.  Slice and serve.

MAKES:  6 servings