Mediterranean Tomato and Mozzarella Hasselback Chicken
Mediterranean Tomato and Mozzarella Hasselback Chicken is a delicious, healthy meal that’s easy to make. This dish brings together juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a fantastic choice for several reasons. First, it’s simple and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Second, it combines fresh ingredients that are delicious and nutritious. The medley of flavors from the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offers a taste of the Mediterranean right in your home. Plus, it looks stunning on the plate, making it great for special occasions.
How to Make Mediterranean Tomato and Mozzarella Hasselback Chicken
Making this delightful dish is straightforward and satisfying. Follow these easy steps to create a flavorful Mediterranean meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large ripe tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 ball fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and make several shallow cuts across the top, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- In each slit, insert a slice of tomato and mozzarella, along with a basil leaf.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the stuffed chicken in a baking dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm.
How to Serve Mediterranean Tomato and Mozzarella Hasselback Chicken
This wonderful chicken dish can be served as a main course with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad. It pairs well with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. For a complete Mediterranean experience, consider serving it with a side of quinoa or rice.
How to Store Mediterranean Tomato and Mozzarella Hasselback Chicken
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn.
Tips to Make Mediterranean Tomato and Mozzarella Hasselback Chicken
- Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Feel free to customize the filling with other ingredients like spinach or roasted red peppers.
- Make sure to slice the chicken properly without cutting all the way through; this helps the cheese and tomatoes melt into the chicken.
Variation
You can easily modify this recipe by adding different herbs like thyme or oregano. For a spicy kick, you might want to include some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. You could also use different types of cheese, such as feta or cheddar, to change the flavor profile.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, chicken thighs will work perfectly for this recipe. They will be extra juicy!
Q: What can I serve with this dish?
A: You can pair this chicken with a salad, roasted vegetables, or rice. It’s versatile for many sides!
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prep the chicken and fill it with the ingredients earlier in the day. Just cover and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
Mediterranean Tomato and Mozzarella Hasselback Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delicious and healthy dish combining juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large ripe tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 ball fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and make several shallow cuts across the top, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- In each slit, insert a slice of tomato and mozzarella, along with a basil leaf.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the stuffed chicken in a baking dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm.
Notes
Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Customize the filling with other ingredients like spinach or roasted red peppers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken, Mediterranean, mozzarella, healthy dinner, Hasselback chicken