Pesto Stuffed Chicken Drumsticks

A cheesy pesto mixture is stuffed under drumstick’s skin

Pesto is a mixture of basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, and pine nuts blended into a paste. This Italian condiment is
delicious with mild, tender chicken. Drumsticks may not seem like a natural choice for stuffing, but they are. You just loosen the skin and place the stuffing in between the skin and the flesh. Smooth the skin back over the stuffing and you’re ready to grill or bake the chicken.

Use your imagination when thinking of stuffings for drumsticks. A combination of cheeses and herbs with caramelized onions would be delicious, as would tapenade (olive paste) with fresh rosemary and lemon juice.
Serve these drumsticks with rice pilaf, a mixed vegetable salad, and lemon pie for dessert.

Yield: Serves 6-8

Ingredients

• 1 (7-ounce) container basil pesto
• 1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 3 tablespoons butter melted

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375°F. In small bowl, combine pesto, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and walnuts; blend well until combined.

With your fingers, carefully loosen skin from drumsticks; do not remove completely.

Divide pesto mixture among drumsticks. Stuff it under skin and over flesh; carefully smooth skin back over flesh.

Place drumsticks in a roasting pan; brush with butter. Bake for 50-55 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked.