Mary Berry​ Chicken Taleggio Recipe

This creamy Mary Berry Chicken Taleggio Recipe is made with tender chicken breasts, nutty Taleggio cheese, salty Parma ham, rich crème fraîche, and a splash of white wine. This recipe creates a decadent and savory dish with a wonderfully gooey, melted cheese center, making it a perfect main course. It is ideal for an impressive weekend dinner or a special occasion, and it makes a satisfying meal for four people.

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Mary Berry Chicken Taleggio Recipe Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 175g each)
• 4 oz (115g) Taleggio cheese, rind removed and cut into 4 slices
• 8 slices of Parma ham
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60ml) dry white wine
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or crème fraîche
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How To Make Mary Berry Chicken Taleggio Recipe

1. Prepare the chicken: Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a deep pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
2. Stuff and wrap the chicken: Season the inside of each pocket with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place a slice of Taleggio cheese and a sprinkle of thyme leaves inside each pocket. Tightly wrap two slices of Parma ham around each stuffed chicken breast, ensuring the pocket is covered.
3. Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the wrapped chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until the Parma ham is crisp and golden brown.
4. Create the pan sauce: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Reduce the heat to medium, pour the white wine into the skillet, and gently scrape the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful browned bits. This process is called deglazing.
5. Finish the dish: Let the wine simmer for about a minute until it has reduced slightly. Stir in the crème fraîche or heavy cream until the sauce is smooth. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over them. Simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is fully melted.

Recipe Tips

• Secure the Ham: If your Parma ham isn’t sticking well, you can use a couple of toothpicks to hold it in place while searing. Just remember to remove them before serving the dish.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breast can become dry quickly. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—it should read 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part to ensure it remains juicy and tender.
• Use Room Temperature Cheese: Allowing the Taleggio to sit out for about 15-20 minutes before stuffing helps it melt more evenly and quickly inside the chicken.
• Choose the Right Pan: An oven-safe skillet is great because if your chicken needs a few extra minutes to cook through, you can transfer the entire pan directly into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).

What To Serve Chicken Taleggio

This rich and savory chicken dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a simple polenta to soak up the delicious sauce. For a green vegetable, serve it alongside steamed asparagus, green beans, or a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese and cream. Crusty bread is also a must-have for wiping the plate clean.

How To Store Chicken Taleggio Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for this recipe. The cream-based sauce can separate and become grainy when thawed and reheated, altering the texture of the dish.

Mary Berry Chicken Taleggio Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 550 kcal
• Total Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 19g
• Cholesterol: 205mg
• Sodium: 980mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 3g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 45g

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Taleggio cheese? Can I use a substitute? Taleggio is a semi-soft Italian cheese with a fruity tang and a strong aroma, but a relatively mild flavor. If you can’t find it, you can substitute it with other good melting cheeses like Fontina, Gruyère, or even a creamy Brie (with the rind removed).
• Can I make this recipe without the wine? Yes, you can. To deglaze the pan without wine, simply use an equal amount of chicken broth. It will create a slightly different, but still very delicious, flavor profile for the sauce.
• Can I prepare the stuffed chicken ahead of time? Yes, you can stuff and wrap the chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered tightly in the refrigerator. This makes the final cooking process much quicker when you’re ready to make dinner.

Try More Recipes:

• Mary Berry​ Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
• Mary Berry Thai Chicken Noodle Soup​ Recipe
• Mary Berry Pot Roast Chicken​ Recipe