Tuscan Chicken Breasts With Polenta

Ingredients

4 cups defatted low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
8 skinless chicken breast halves - (3 lbs)
Nonstick cooking spray as needed
Fresh spinach leaves (optional), steamed
=== TUSCAN TOMATO SAUCE ===
Nonstick cooking spray as needed
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves minced
8 plum tomatoes coarsely chopped
1 can tomato sauce - (8 oz)
2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper

Method

In large nonstick saucepan, heat chicken broth to a boil; slowly stir in cornmeal. Reduce heat to low; cook, stirring frequently, 15 to 20 minutes or until mixture is very thick and pulls away from side of pan. (Mixture may be lumpy.) Pour polenta into greased 9- by 5-inch loaf pan. Cool; refrigerate 2 to 3 hours or until firm.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper in small bowl; rub on all surfaces of chicken. Arrange chicken, breast-side up, in single layer in 13- by 9-inch baking pan. Bake, uncovered, about 45 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center and juices run clear.

Remove polenta from pan; transfer to cutting board. Cut polenta crosswise into 16 slices. Cut slices into triangles, if desired. Spray large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium heat until hot. Cook polenta about 4 minutes per side or until lightly browned.

Place spinach leaves, if desired, on serving plates. Arrange polenta slices and chicken over spinach; top with Tuscan Tomato Sauce.

For the Tuscan Tomato Sauce: Spray medium nonstick saucepan with cooking spray; heat over medium heat until hot. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir about 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, rosemary and pepper; heat to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, about 6 minutes or until desired consistency, stirring occasionally.

This recipe yields 8 servings.

Exchanges Per Serving (includes 1/8 of Tuscan Tomato Sauce): 1 Starch, 3 Meat, 1 Vegetable.

Nutrition Facts: Calories 248; Calories from Fat 15%; Total Fat 4g; Saturated Fat 1g; Protein 31g; Carbohydrates 21g; Cholesterol 69mg; Sodium 406mg; Dietary Fiber 4g.

Yield

8 Servings


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