Marinated Chicken Breasts with Mozzarella and Veggies

Marinated Chicken Breasts with Mozzarella and Veggies Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Marinated Chicken Breasts with Mozzarella and Veggies is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The combination of marinated chicken, melted mozzarella cheese, and flavorful veggies creates a mouthwatering meal that is sure to impress.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Italian flavors. The marinated chicken breasts add a depth of flavor, while the melted mozzarella cheese adds a creamy and indulgent touch. The addition of veggies like broccoli and scallions not only adds color and texture but also boosts the nutritional value of the dish.

Ingredients

4 skinned and boned chicken breast halves
0.5 cup italian dressing
1.33 cups chicken broth
0.33 cup wild rice
0.33 cup long grain brown rice
1 cup coarsely chopped broccoli florets
0.25 cup thinly sliced scallions
2 tsp olive oil
10 basil leaves
1 thinly sliced tomato
2 halved slices of mozzarella

How to prepare

Place the chicken in a zip-top bag and add the dressing. Marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
In a saucepan, bring the broth to a boil. Add the rice and return to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes.
Stir in the broccoli and scallions into the rice. Cover and simmer until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Drain the chicken. In a skillet, heat the oil. Add the chicken and cook until it is no longer pink.
Preheat the broiler.
Arrange the basil leaves on the breast halves in the skillet. Place tomato slices over the basil leaves. Top each with a half slice of mozzarella cheese.
Broil until the cheese melts.
Serve with the rice and broccoli.

Variations

Swap out the chicken breasts for turkey cutlets or pork chops for a different protein option.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, for a unique flavor profile.
Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a spicy or tangy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the proper internal temperature of 165°F.

- For a crispy topping, broil the chicken breasts for a few extra minutes until the cheese is golden brown.

- Feel free to customize the veggies in this dish based on your preferences. You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Marinated Chicken Breasts with Mozzarella and Veggies with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a glass of white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing beverage option.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the chicken breasts for at least 2 hours to infuse them with flavor.

- Cook the rice and veggies together to save time and simplify the cooking process.

- Broil the chicken breasts at the end to melt the cheese and create a crispy topping.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a different grain option.

- Substitute asparagus or green beans for the broccoli for a seasonal twist.

- Replace the mozzarella cheese with feta or goat cheese for a tangy flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken breasts and prepare the rice and veggies ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights. Store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the chicken breasts on a platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a beautiful presentation. Serve the dish family-style with the rice and veggies on the side for a visually appealing meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Marinated Chicken Breasts with Mozzarella and Veggies pairs well with a variety of side dishes and beverages. Consider serving it with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. For beverages, try a glass of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or sparkling water with lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Marinated Chicken Breasts with Mozzarella and Veggies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the dish in the microwave for a quick and easy meal option.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Marinated Chicken Breasts with Mozzarella and Veggies contains approximately 350 calories. This makes it a satisfying and balanced meal option that won't weigh you down.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Marinated Chicken Breasts with Mozzarella and Veggies contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates. The wild rice and broccoli contribute to the carbohydrate content of this dish, providing a good source of energy for your body.

Fats

This dish is relatively low in fat, with each serving containing approximately 10 grams of fat. The olive oil used for cooking the chicken adds healthy monounsaturated fats, while the mozzarella cheese provides a creamy texture without adding excessive fat.

Proteins

Marinated Chicken Breasts with Mozzarella and Veggies is a protein-packed dish, with each serving containing approximately 35 grams of protein. The chicken breasts are a lean source of protein, while the mozzarella cheese adds an additional boost of protein to the dish.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the variety of veggies included in the recipe. Broccoli is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, while scallions provide a dose of vitamin A and vitamin C. The basil leaves add a pop of flavor and a touch of vitamin K to the dish.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (mozzarella cheese) and tree nuts (basil leaves). If you have allergies to these ingredients, be sure to substitute them with suitable alternatives or omit them from the recipe.

Summary

Overall, Marinated Chicken Breasts with Mozzarella and Veggies is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a nutritious and delicious option for a wholesome meal.

Summary

Marinated Chicken Breasts with Mozzarella and Veggies is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a balance of protein, carbs, and veggies, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the delicious combination of marinated chicken, melted mozzarella cheese, and colorful veggies in this satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Marinated Chicken Breasts with Mozzarella and Veggies. It was a sunny summer afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was an amazing cook, and I always loved learning new recipes from her.

As we chatted over cups of steaming coffee, Maria suddenly got up and started rummaging through her collection of cookbooks. She finally pulled out a worn, dog-eared book and flipped through the pages until she found what she was looking for.

"Ah, here it is!" Maria exclaimed, pointing to a recipe for marinated chicken breasts with mozzarella and veggies. "I made this for dinner last night, and it was a hit with my family. You should try it too!"

I eagerly watched as Maria went through the ingredients and instructions, jotting down notes in my own recipe book. The combination of juicy chicken breasts, gooey mozzarella cheese, and colorful vegetables sounded absolutely delicious.

After bidding Maria farewell, I couldn't wait to try out the recipe for myself. I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen, following Maria's instructions to a tee.

The first step was to marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs. I let the chicken soak up all the flavors for a few hours, ensuring that it would be tender and flavorful when cooked.

Next, I prepped the veggies – bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes – by slicing them into bite-sized pieces. I drizzled them with olive oil, sprinkled them with salt and pepper, and roasted them in the oven until they were caramelized and tender.

While the veggies were roasting, I seared the marinated chicken breasts in a hot skillet until they were golden brown on the outside and cooked through. I then topped each chicken breast with a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese and let it melt slightly.

Finally, I assembled the dish by placing a chicken breast on a plate and arranging the roasted veggies around it. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas made my mouth water in anticipation.

As I took my first bite of the marinated chicken breasts with mozzarella and veggies, I was transported to a culinary paradise. The chicken was juicy and tender, with a hint of sweetness from the balsamic vinegar. The melted mozzarella added a creamy richness, while the roasted veggies provided a burst of freshness and flavor.

I was thrilled with how the dish turned out and couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends. They all raved about the marinated chicken breasts with mozzarella and veggies, and it quickly became a staple in my recipe repertoire.

Over the years, I've made this dish countless times, tweaking and perfecting the recipe to suit my taste. Each time I prepare it, I think back to that sunny summer afternoon in Maria's kitchen and the joy of discovering a new and delicious recipe.

I am grateful to Maria for introducing me to this wonderful dish, and for inspiring me to experiment and create in the kitchen. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I love sharing my creations with others.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a delicious and satisfying meal, look no further than my recipe for marinated chicken breasts with mozzarella and veggies. It's a true crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress. Bon appétit!