Pesto Chicken Caprese

This delightful Italian-inspired dish combines the bright, herbaceous flavors of pesto with juicy grilled chicken and fresh caprese salad ingredients. It’s a symphony of tastes and textures that will transport your taste buds straight to the Italian countryside.

The Recipe:

Pesto Chicken Caprese

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup basil pesto
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• Balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Grill or pan-sear the chicken until fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
3. Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
4. Spread a generous amount of pesto over each chicken breast.
5. Top with sliced mozzarella and tomatoes.
6. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an added flavor punch.

Variations:

• Add grilled or roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for extra nutrition.
• Substitute grilled or baked salmon for the chicken for a seafood twist.
• Use sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for a different flavor profile.

Tips:

• For easy cleanup, line your baking sheet or grill with foil.
• Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
• Make extra pesto to toss with pasta or spread on sandwiches later in the week.

The Sides:

Sliced Cucumber and Cherry Tomatoes with Balsamic Glaze:

• Thinly slice cucumbers and halve cherry tomatoes.
• Arrange them on a plate and drizzle with balsamic glaze for a light, refreshing side salad.

Quinoa with Toasted Sesame Seeds:

• Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
• Toss with toasted sesame seeds, salt, and pepper for a nutty, protein-packed side dish.

Fresh Mozzarella Balls:

• Simply plate the fresh mozzarella balls and enjoy their creamy, mild flavor alongside the other dishes.

Equipment & Ingredients:

For your convenience, here are some recommended items to purchase on Amazon to make this meal:

Equipment:

• Grill Pan or Indoor Grill
• High-Quality Balsamic Glaze
• Basil Pesto (or a pesto maker to make your own)

Ingredients:

• Quinoa
• Sesame Seeds
• Fresh Mozzarella Balls

With a little preparation and the right ingredients, you can create a memorable and delicious pesto chicken caprese meal that’s sure to impress your family or guests.