Description
Zesty pesto bruschetta chicken elevates weeknight dinners with Mediterranean flair. Crispy chicken breasts topped with fresh tomatoes and basil pesto promise a delightful culinary escape you’ll savor to the last bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) dried Italian herbs (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Pesto Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Bruschetta Topping Ingredients:
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant pesto by blending fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, aged Parmesan, minced garlic, zesty lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil until silky smooth. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside to let flavors meld.
- Preheat grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Generously season chicken breasts with aromatic herbs, salt, and cracked pepper.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F. The meat should develop beautiful golden-brown char marks and remain juicy.
- Allow grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes, which helps retain moisture and distributes internal temperatures evenly.
- While chicken rests, prepare bruschetta by combining diced ripe tomatoes, freshly chopped basil, extra virgin olive oil, tangy balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Plate the rested chicken and lavishly spread homemade pesto over each breast.
- Top pesto-covered chicken with vibrant bruschetta mixture, creating a colorful Mediterranean-inspired presentation.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the harmonious blend of warm grilled chicken, herbaceous pesto, and fresh tomato topping.
Notes
- Swap pine nuts with more budget-friendly alternatives like sunflower seeds or almonds to reduce recipe cost.
- Ensure chicken is thoroughly pounded to equal thickness for consistent and even cooking, preventing dry or undercooked sections.
- Create a gluten-free version by using zucchini slices or cauliflower steaks instead of traditional chicken for a vegetable-based protein alternative.
- Elevate meal prep by preparing pesto and bruschetta mixture ahead of time, storing separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days in refrigerator to save cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg