Il Villaggio Parmigiano-Reggiano Chicken Surprise
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Recipe type: Dinner
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4
 
Il Villaggio Parmigiano- Reggiano cheese and crispy chicken is a match made in cheese lover’s heaven. Our authentic Parmigiano gets tucked inside the chicken, creating a melt-in-your-mouth sensation. Red potatoes and peas complete this succulent, lemon chicken delight.
Ingredients
  • 2 large lemons
  • 2 1/2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 tbsp. finely chopped parsley
  • 1 1/2 tbsp. dry bread crumbs
  • 2 oz. Il Villaggio Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, finely shredded, divided (2/3 cups)
  • 1/4 tsp. salt and pepper
  • 8 large bone-in chicken thighs with skin
  • 12 oz. baby red potatoes (1 1/2" if larger, cut in half)
  • 1 cup fresh shelled peas (or petite frozen peas, unthawed)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Grate enough lemon rind to equal 2 tsp. Cut ends off lemons and slice each into 4 slices. Arrange in a large (18"x12") heavy non- stick baking pan.In a small bowl, combine lemon rind, 2 Tbsp. oil, garlic, parsley, bread crumbs, and 1/3 cup cheese.
  2. Trim any excess fat from chicken and loosen skin but do not detach. Spread mixture under skin. Place chicken skin-side up, one piece on top of each lemon slice. Brush with remaining 1/2 Tbsp. oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  3. Arrange potatoes around chicken. Bake 20 minutes; turn potatoes. Reduce heat to 400°F and bake 10 minutes. Remove from oven; carefully tilt pan and spoon out excess fat from pan. Sprinkle peas into pan. Top chicken with remaining 1/3 cup cheese. Bake 5 minutes.
Notes
Tip: Fresh sugar snap peas can be used in addition to or in place of peas; bake as directed. Small snap (string) beans can also be used, but will need 10 minutes of cooking rather than 5 minutes. Use all three for a festival of fresh spring peas!
Recipe by Il Villaggio Cheese at http://ilvillaggiocheese.domain-account.com/recipes/il-villaggio-parmigiano-reggiano-chicken-surprise/