Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly grilled chicken breast, lavishly coated with vibrant pesto sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and bursting with fresh Italian-inspired flavors. This isn't just another chicken recipe – this is a culinary adventure that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that looks gourmet but is surprisingly simple to prepare!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side, allowing nice grill marks to form and creating a good sear.
- Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- During the last 2 minutes of cooking, spread a generous layer of pesto sauce over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pesto-covered chicken and allow it to melt slightly.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 3-4 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish the chicken with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves.
- Slice the chicken and serve hot, optionally with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F for safe and juicy results.
- Prep Like a Pro: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve those beautiful grill marks and prevent steaming.
- Pesto Power: Use high-quality, fresh pesto for the most vibrant flavor. Homemade is best, but a good store-bought version works wonderfully.
- Cheese Melting Trick: Add cheese in the last 2 minutes of grilling to prevent burning and achieve perfect meltiness.
- Resting is Crucial: Let the chicken rest 3-4 minutes after grilling to redistribute juices, ensuring each bite is tender and succulent.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh basil and cherry tomatoes aren't just decoration – they add brightness and freshness to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 565kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 63g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 160mg
