Chicken Mediterranean

With Garden-Fresh Tomatoes, Garlic and Basil

Elevate your dinner with our Chicken Mediterranean recipe, featuring tender, thin chicken breasts sautéed to golden perfection and topped with fresh, vibrant ingredients. Each chicken breast is layered with ripe tomato slices, a generous amount of fresh chopped basil, and melted mozzarella cheese, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. The dish is garnished with shredded Parmesan cheese and accompanied by creamy risotto and a colorful zucchini and squash medley. A drizzle of savory butter and garlic sauce ties everything together, offering a delicious and elegant meal that's perfect for any occasion.

INGREDIENTS

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded flat to tenderize), or 2 large breasts, butterflied
1 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
2-3 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
2 ripe tomatoes (sliced into 1/4" slices)
1 cup fresh basil (chopped)
Olive or avocado oil spray
1/2 red onion (finely chopped)
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1/4 cup butter
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

Preparing the Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Pound the chicken breasts flat using a meat tenderizer to ensure even cooking.

Coat each chicken breast with all-purpose flour, making sure to cover both sides.Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.Add the floured chicken breasts to the skillet and sauté until golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this stage.Transfer the sautéed chicken breasts to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Add Tomato and Basil
Place two slices of tomato on top of each chicken breast.
Sprinkle the chopped basil evenly over the tomatoes.
Lightly spray the top of each breast with olive or avocado oil.

Bake the Chicken
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the basil is wilted and the tomatoes have softened.

PREPARE THE SAUCE

While the chicken is baking, add the finely chopped red onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the pan drippings. Cook over medium heat until the onions are soft and semi-translucent (about 5 minutes).
Add the Italian seasoning and cook for another minute.
Turn off the heat and add the 1/4 cup of butter to the skillet. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is well combined, deglazing the pan in the process.

ADD MOZZARELLA & BAKE

Remove the chicken from the oven and top each breast with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starting to crisp on the edges.

FINISH & SERVE

Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon the prepared sauce over each breast.
- Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Serve the Chicken Mediterranean hot, paired with a starch and vegetable side such as risotto, pasta, a crisp green salad, or a zucchini and squash medley.

VARIATIONS

1. Stuffed Chicken Mediterranean

Transform the original recipe into a delightful stuffed version. Start by creating a pocket in each chicken breast and stuffing it with a mixture of chopped tomatoes, basil, mozzarella cheese, and a hint of garlic. Secure with toothpicks and coat the stuffed breasts with flour, salt, and pepper. Sauté until golden, then bake as directed. The result is a flavorful, cheesy center that adds a new dimension to the dish.

2. Grilled Chicken Mediterranean

For a lighter and smoky flavor, prepare a grilled version. Marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for at least 30 minutes. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat until fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side. Top each grilled breast with fresh tomato slices, basil, and mozzarella. Close the grill lid for a few minutes to melt the cheese. Serve with grilled vegetables and a side of couscous.

3. Mediterranean Chicken Skillet

Simplify the recipe into a one-pan dish by using a skillet. Slice the chicken breasts into strips and coat them with flour, salt, and pepper. Sauté the chicken strips in olive oil until golden brown. Add sliced tomatoes, chopped basil, and minced garlic directly to the skillet. Stir in Italian seasoning and let everything cook together for a few minutes. Sprinkle with mozzarella and cover the skillet until the cheese melts. Serve hot with a side of quinoa or rice.

4. Mediterranean Chicken Casserole

Convert the recipe into a hearty casserole. Place the floured and sautéed chicken breasts in a baking dish. Layer the tomato slices, basil, and mozzarella on top of the chicken. Add cooked pasta or orzo around the chicken in the dish. Pour a mixture of chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and a bit of olive oil over the pasta. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta is tender. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and serve.