Monday, October 3, 2011

Chicken "Panini" with Basil & Mozzarella



If you liked Pimiento Cheese and Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breasts you will go crazy over this recipe!

This recipe came from a wonderful cookbook I received as a wedding gift. Any guesses on the title? Remember, I said it was a wedding gift...it's The Newlyweds' Cookbook! I can't believe I haven't used it as much as I should have been!

This chicken is too die for! And sooo easy. Just look at the steps and the ingredients. It is perfect for company because it seems so pretty and tastes amazing! But, and I am serious about this one, you MUST make the Salsa Rossa to go with it. It totally makes the dish and is so worth it. Best yet? You can make the salsa up to three days ahead of time so this truly is an easy and quick dish. Yumm!

Chicken "Panini" with Basil & Mozzarella
Recipe by The Newlyweds' Cookbook
Yields 2 chicken "paninis"
Pin It
Ingredients:
*1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
*2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
*4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
*4 large basil leaves, plus more for garnish
*extra virgin olive oil
*salt and pepper
*salsa rossa

Preparation:
*Preheat a grill pan (or outdoor grill) and an oven to 400 degrees.

*Put the chicken breasts onto a board, and, using a sharp knife, cut horizontally through the breast without cutting all the way through. Open out flat and season the insides with salt and pepper.

*Put 2 basil leaves, a few garlic slices, and 2 slices of cheese in each breast. Then fold back over, pressing firmly together. Secure with toothpicks.

*Brush the chicken with a little oil and cook on a preheated grill pan for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Then transfer to the oven for about 10-15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and cheese is beginning to ooze at the sides.

*Serve hot with salsa rossa, a few basil leaves, and your side of choice.

Basil in the pocket...

Plus garlic...

Then fresh mozzarella...honestly, what's better than fresh mozzarella?

Whoops! Forgot to take a picture on the skillet, but I'm sure yours will be just amazing!

Oozing cheese, fresh basil, and that salsa...

I want more...now. Yum.

4 comments:

  1. how do you think this would be with no cheese??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love my cheese, but I think it could still be great without it! The salsa rossa is what really makes this dish. I would suggest stuffing the chicken with a little something else instead of the cheese. I bet spinach would be great, and a healthier alternative to the cheese. I'd love to hear how it turns out!

      Delete
  2. I'm on a diet and would like to stay away from cheese, but it looks oh so good with it! I do have some fresh mozz that needs to be used. I will let you know! Thank you! It looks so amazing!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't wait to hear what you decide to do! Thanks for for reading my blog!! :)

      Delete

I love to hear from you!
I try to answer every comment, so please check back soon!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...