Ingredients and Weight:
- Chicken breast - 8 pieces (about 2 pounds)
- Fresh basil leaves - 1 cup
- Mozzarella cheese - 16 oz (226 grams)
- Fresh tomatoes - 2 large (or 3 medium)
- Extra virgin olive oil - 3 tablespoons
- Salt and pepper - to taste
- Balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons
Preparation Time:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
- Total time: about 1 hour and 15 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Season chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a baking dish, arrange the chicken pieces and top each piece with fresh tomato slices and basil leaves.
- Sprinkle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar evenly over the chicken.
- Distribute the mozzarella cheese over the chicken, ensuring that each piece has a layer of cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve immediately with a side of your choice, such as roasted vegetables or pasta.
Nutritional Information:
(Based on the provided ingredients and without any specific adjustments for accurate calculations)
Calories: Approximately 500 per serving (assuming a piece of chicken with its toppings)
Fat: Moderate to high depending on the amount of cheese used
Protein: High due to chicken breast
Carbohydrates: Moderate from the tomatoes and cheese
Fiber: Good amount from the vegetables and cheese
Dish Characteristics:
- Delicious combination of flavors between the sweet tomato, basil, and balsamic vinegar with the chicken and cheese.
- Easy to prepare, yet a luxurious dish that can be made at home with easily available ingredients.
- Perfect for any occasion as it combines the flavors of an Italian classic with a American-style dish.
User Comments:
- "The combination of flavors was amazing! This dish exceeded my expectations."
- "Easy to follow recipe, my family loved it!"
- "I added more tomatoes and basil for a stronger flavor profile, turned out great!"
- "I used a different type of cheese and it still tasted great."
- "A perfect dish for a special occasion, will definitely make again."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients for best results, especially basil and tomatoes during their peak season for maximum flavor.
- Adjust the amount of balsamic vinegar according to preference as it can vary in taste and intensity between brands.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through before serving to ensure food safety.
