Looking for an easy and delicious summer appetizer that will impress your guests? Look no further than Pesto Chicken Bruschetta! This Italian-inspired dish combines grilled chicken with fresh tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and of course, pesto. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it's also easy to make and perfect for summer grilling.
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Pesto Chicken Bruschetta |
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds
- 1/2 cup prepared pesto
- 2-3 medium tomatoes, diced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Brush with olive oil.
3. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side or until cooked through. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
4. Brush baguette slices with olive oil and grill for 1-2 minutes per side or until lightly toasted.
5. In a small bowl, mix together pesto and minced garlic.
6. To assemble bruschetta, spread a spoonful of pesto mixture on each baguette slice. Top with sliced chicken, diced tomatoes, and sliced mozzarella.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and serve.
Precautions:
- Make sure to properly cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent any risk of foodborne illness.
- Store any leftover ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use store-bought pesto or should I make my own?
A: You can use either store-bought or homemade pesto, depending on your preference and availability.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the chicken and bruschetta components ahead of time, but it's best to assemble them just before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
Tags: #Pesto, #Chicken, #Bruschetta, #Appetizer, #Italiancuisine, #Summerdish, #Grilling, #Tomatoes, #Basil, #Mozzarella, #Garlic, #Oliveoil.