Pesto Chicken Caprese Sandwich Food

PESTO CHICKEN CAPRESE SANDWICH

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees C (190 degrees C).
• Thinly slice chicken breasts in half and season with Italian seasoning and salt. Place chicken on a rimmed baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
• Cut heirloom tomato and mozzarella cheese into four 1/3-inch thick slices. Set out tomato slices on a baking sheet and top with mozzarella slices. Add to oven and bake for the last 10 minutes with the chicken. Remove chicken from oven.
• Turn oven to broil and broil tomatoes and cheese, until cheese has melted, 2 to 3 minutes. If desired, add ciabatta buns and toast under the broiler until browned, 1 to 2 minutes.
• To assemble the sandwiches, place a chicken filet onto the ciabatta bun, top with tomato and melted mozzarella, and 1 tablespoon pesto.

CAPRESE CHICKEN CASSEROLE WITH PESTO

Steps:

• Place chicken thighs in a large pot and pour in water to cover. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 20 to 30 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Remove chicken to a plate and shred with 2 forks.
• Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and saute an additional 2 minutes. Whisk in flour and stir until the mixture becomes paste-like and light golden brown, being careful not to burn, 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk in chicken stock, 1/2 cup at a time.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Add shredded chicken and mozzarella cheese to the onions; stir until well incorporated. Add diced tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes. Add rice and simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped basil. Spoon mixture into a 9-inch square baking dish.
• Bake in the preheated oven until hot and bubbly, 30 to 35 minutes.
• While the casserole is baking, combine basil, pine nuts, salt, pepper, and garlic for pesto sauce in a food processor; pulse until blended. Pour olive oil in slowly, with the processor running, until mixture is smooth.
• Remove casserole from the oven and top with pesto sauce.