Mozzarella Tomato Basil Pesto Chicken Food

PESTO BAKED CHICKEN WITH TOMATOES AND MOZZARELLA

Steps:

• MARINATE: Add all the ingredients except the chicken breasts into a zip-top bag along with 1 teaspoon of sea salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Seal the bag and shake until combined. Add the chicken, seal, and massage so the chicken is covered in marinade; set aside for 10-15 minutes while you prep the remaining ingredients. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 425ºF.
• PESTO PAN SAUCE: Add all the ingredients except the cheese to an oven-safe baking dish, along with a big pinch of salt and pepper and stir to combine. Move the tomatoes around the edges and place the chicken in the center.
• BAKE: Bake uncovered for 18-25 minute (mine took 22 mins) or until the chicken is almost cooked through (how long it takes will depend on the thickness of the chicken breasts you use.) Add the cheese on top of the chicken and place the baking dish in the oven under the broiler just long enough for the cheese to melt. Top with additional chopped basil or even parsley would work. Serve with crusty bread, pasta, rice, cauli-rice or steamed veggies on the side.

THE BEST CHICKEN CAPRESE RECIPE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400° F.
• Use a thin, sharp knife to slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise. Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat a large oven-proof skillet over medium high heat with the olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted into the olive oil, add the chicken breasts to the pan, being careful not to crowd. Cook on each side until lightly browned and easily release from the pan, about 3-4 minutes each.
• Slather the tops of each chicken breast with the basil pesto, about 1-2 tablespoons per chicken breast. Top each chicken breast with a slice of mozzarella and a few slices of tomato. Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

CHICKEN CAPRESE

Steps:

• Pat chicken dry. Cut a lengthwise pocket into the thick side of each breast without cutting all the way through to the other side. Season breasts inside and out using 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
• Stuff each breast with a quarter of the mozzarella, 2 to 3 tomato slices (depending on size) and 4 to 5 basil leaves. Enclose the filling as much as possible by pulling the chicken over the filling. (The chicken can be prepared to this point, covered and refrigerated up to 24 hours.)
• Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch nonstick pan over medium heat. Sauté garlic, stirring, until golden, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, scoop out garlic and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the oil in the pan.
• Increase heat to medium-high and sauté chicken until golden on the bottom, about 6 minutes. If the breasts darken too quickly, lower heat. Flip and cook for 5 minutes, then cover and cook 2 to 3 minutes more, or until chicken is cooked through and filling is hot.
• Using a spatula, carefully transfer chicken to a platter or four plates. Pour pan juices over the chicken. Garnish with pesto, reserved garlic and remaining basil leaves.

PESTO-MOZZARELLA CHICKEN

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375 degrees. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Spread 1/4 cup pesto in a 9x13 baking dish. Lay chicken breasts over pesto and spread with remaining pesto.
• Cover baking dish with foil and bake chicken till cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes. Uncover and top with cheese. Bake till cheese is melted.

TOMATO, BASIL & MOZZARELLA CHICKEN RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• On a parchment-lined baking sheet, season both sides of the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
• Bake for 30 minutes, or until cooked through and juices run clear.
• While the chicken is in the oven, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey in a sauce pot and simmer, stirring occasionally.
• NOTE: It should take about 20 minutes for the mixture to reduce.
• Once the glaze has reached your desired thickness, remove it from the heat and set aside.
• Remove the chicken from the oven and top with slices of mozzarella and tomato.
• Broil for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and the tomatoes are slightly charred.
• While the chicken is broiling, you can chiffonade (cut into thin strips) the basil.
• Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the chicken and top with basil.
• Enjoy!