Mmmmm, the fresh delicious taste of margherita pizza, all on a tender juicy chicken breast! I love the flavors of a margherita pizza.....the fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella! Well I included all those fresh flavors in this masterpiece...all on flavor-packed grilled chicken breasts! I seasoned the chicken with olive oil, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Grilled them and topped them with fresh mozzarella, basil pesto, and sauteed tomatoes and garlic. Talk about a party in your mouth of flavor! This was a wonderful dish that I promise you will want to make. It is simple, easy, and healthy!
Here's What You Need (to serve 4)
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, (thin) or 8 chicken breast tenderloins
Olive oil
Italian seasoning
Garlic salt
2 t minced garlic
8 0z. or so of cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 can of petite diced tomatoes
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 jar basil pesto (You can also make your own which is way better and I have included the recipe below)
Fresh Mozzarella ( I buy the fresh ball of mozzarella and slice it)
Preheat the grill. Preheat the oven to 400. Brush each chicken breast with a little olive oil on both sides. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic salt on both sides of the chicken. I don't measure this, I just sprinkle it on there generously without oversalting. Put the chicken on the grill. While the chicken is on the grill, heat about 1 T of olive oil in a saute pan. Add the minced garlic and saute a minute. Add the halved tomatoes, the can of tomatoes (undrained), and the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Add Italian seasoning and garlic salt to taste. Allow to simmer till it is cooked down and thickened. When the chicken is done, place it on a baking sheet. Top each piece of chicken with a slice of fresh mozzarella and. evenly top each with basil pesto, and evenly with the tomato mixture. Place in the oven and bake till the cheese is melty. Serve and enjoy!!
Recipe for traditional basil pesto:: (this is awesome in the summer when fresh basil is plentiful!)
2 1/2 cups of fresh basil leaves
1 large garlic cloves
3/4 cup grated parmesan
1/2 cup pine nuts or walnut pieces
salt and pepper
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Place the basil, garlic, cheese, and nuts in food processor. Season with a little salt and pepper. Blend until it is a coarse mixture. While the processsor is running, drizzle in the olive oil until it is blended!