Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet

Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet served in bowls with toppings.This Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet is sure to become a favorite when you are craving those Halal flavors at…

The post Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet appeared first on The Defined Dish.

Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet served in bowls with toppings.

This Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet is sure to become a favorite when you are craving those Halal flavors at home!

Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet served in bowls with toppings.

The flavors of this recipe are inspired by the chicken and rice bowls created by Halal food trucks and The Halal Guys restaurants, if you are familiar. To simplify this recipe for the homecooked version, I decided to make this into one skillet and I love how it turned out.

Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet with toppings scattered around.

You’ll start by making your spice blend that will be used for both the chicken and the rice. Once your chicken is seared, you will begin your rice then add your chicken back into the skillet to let it finish cooking along with the rice. While your chicken and rice cook, you can quickly whip up the delicious Halal white sauce, plus get your toppings ready for serving.

Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet with scoop out of it.

Ingredients: For the Skillet

  • Garlic Powder
  • Dried Oregano
  • Ground Coriander
  • Ground Cumin
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Ground Turmeric
  • Kosher Salt
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
  • Avocado Oil
  • Unsalted Butter
  • Yellow Onion
  • Basmati White Rice
  • Lemon Zest and Juice
  • Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
  • Fresh Parsley
  • Plus a few more ingredients for the White Sauce and serving!
Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet served in bowls with toppings.

Step-by-Step:

Step One: Make the Seasoning Blend

In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, oregano, coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt and pepper. Set aside.

Step Two: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry then season both sides of the chicken with 2 tablespoons of the spice mixture, reserving the rest for the rice.

Step Three: Sear the Chicken

Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken in a single layer and cook on both sides until a golden-brown crust forms, 2 to 3 minutes per side. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked yet. Set the browned chicken on a clean plate and set aside.

Step Four: Start the Rice

Reduce the heat beneath the skillet to medium. Add the butter and let melt. Next, add the onions and cook, stirring, until they begin to soften, about 2 minutes. Add the rice and toss to combine. Stir in the remaining spice mixture and lemon zest. Cook, stirring, to toast the rice and spices, about 2 minutes.

Step Five: Continue Cooking the Chicken and Rice

Add the lemon juice, chicken broth, and parsley and stir to combine. Bring to a rapid simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to a light simmer and nestle the chicken and any of its juices back into the skillet. Cover and cook, simmering lightly, for 20 minutes. Remove from heat but keep the cover on and allow the rice to steam for another 5 more minutes.

Step Six: Make the White Sauce

Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk together the white sauce ingredients. Set aside.

Step Seve: Serve and Enjoy!

To serve, ladle the chicken and rice in a shallow bowl. Add some shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a drizzle of the white sauce, and a drizzle of sriracha. Serve with warm pita and enjoy!

Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet served in bowls with toppings.

Recipe FAQs:

Can I make the white sauce in advance?

Yes! It lasts for 2 to 3 days in the fridge.

If making this for meal prep, how would you store and reheat?

I would store the chicken and rice in glass containers separate from the toppings so you can easily pop them into the oven to reheat! You can warm in the oven at 350F for 12-15 minutes, or until chicken is warmed through, then top with the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a drizzle of the white sauce, and a drizzle of sriracha.

This Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet is great for meal prep and is sure to become a family favorite! Comment below once you make it!

For more chicken skillets:

Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet

Skillet Creamed Corn Chicken

Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet

Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet served in bowls with toppings.
Print

Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet

Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 people

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Rice Skillet:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground turmeric
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (about ½ an onion)
  • 1 cup basmati white rice, rinsed until the water runs clear
  • Zest of ½ lemon
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley

For the White Sauce:

  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/3 cup mayo
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cane sugar (sub coconut sugar)
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon minced parsley leaves

Optional, For Serving:

  • 2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
  • Warm pita bread
  • Sriracha

Instructions

Make the Chicken and Rice Skillet:

  • In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, oregano, coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt and pepper. Set aside.
  • Pat the chicken dry then season both sides of the chicken with 2 tablespoons of the spice mixture, reserving the rest for the rice.
  • Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken in a single layer and cook on both sides until a golden-brown crust forms, 2 to 3 minutes per side. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked yet. Set the browned chicken on a clean plate and set aside.
  • Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let melt. Add the onions and cook, stirring, until they begin to soften, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the rice and toss to combine. Stir in the remaining spice mixture and lemon zest. Cook, stirring, to toast the rice and spices, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the lemon juice, chicken broth, and parsley and stir to combine. Bring to a rapid simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to a light simmer and nestle the chicken and any of its juices back into the skillet. Cover and cook, simmering lightly, for 20 minutes. Remove from heat but keep the cover on and allow the rice to steam for another 5 more minutes.

Make the White Sauce:

  • Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk together the white sauce ingredients. Set aside.

Serve:

  • To serve, ladle the chicken and rice in a shallow bowl. Add some shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a drizzle of the white sauce, and a drizzle of sriracha. Serve with warm pita and enjoy!

Photography and styling by Eat Love Eats.

The post Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet appeared first on The Defined Dish.

Chili Crisp Chicken Bowls

Chili Crisp Chicken Bowl assembled with extra herbs around.These Chili Crisp Chicken Bowls were an Instagram creation that needed a place on the blog! Spicy, fresh, and all…

The post Chili Crisp Chicken Bowls appeared first on The Defined Dish.

Chili Crisp Chicken Bowl assembled with extra herbs around.

These Chili Crisp Chicken Bowls were an Instagram creation that needed a place on the blog! Spicy, fresh, and all around a great weeknight meal.

Chili Crisp Chicken Bowl assembled with extra herbs around.

I love a weeknight chicken bowl and these bowls could not be more simple! To start, you will make the cucumber salad, which is the star of the dish. The cucumbers and herbs add a delicious freshness to the bowls while the rice vinegar and Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp add a zing. It is the perfect pairing! Once your salad is assembled, you will sear your simply seasoned chicken then be ready to assemble.

Close up of Chili Crisp Chicken Bowl in black bowl.

Ingredients:

  • Persian or Mini Cucumbers
  • Geen Onions 
  • Toasted Sesame Seeds
  • Salt
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp
  • Rice Vinegar
  • Fresh Cilantro 
  • Fresh Thai Basil 
  • Fresh Mint
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs 
  • Fly by Jing Mala Spice Mix 
  • Avocado Oil
  • Prepared Brown Cice
  • Lime Wedges
Ingredients for Chili Crisp Chicken Bowls scattered on counter.

Step-by-Step:

Step One: Prepare the Cucumber Salad

In a medium-sized bowl, add all of your cucumber salad ingredients and stir to combine. Set aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Cucumber salad assembled in large white bowl.

Step Two: Season the Chicken

Season each side of the chicken with the Mala Spice Mix and salt.

Seasoned raw chicken on white platter.

Step Three: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet and the avocado oil and heat over medium-high. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Seared chicken on white platter.

Step Four: Slice the Chicken

Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let rest for a few minutes then slice.

Step Five: Assemble the Bowls

Next, add your prepared brown rice to each bowl, then add the chicken and top with the cucumber salad. Add additional herbs and chili crisp, plus lime wedges. Serve and enjoy!

Chili Crisp Chicken Bowl assembled in black bowl.

I hope you love these Chili Crisp Chicken Bowls as much as I do! Comment below once you make them!

For More Chicken Bowl Recipes:

Santa Fe Chicken Bowl

Harissa Avocado Chicken Bowls

Blackened Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls

Chicken and Cilantro Rice Bowls with Tahini

Chili Crisp Chicken Bowl assembled in black bowl.
Print

Chili Crisp Chicken Bowls

Servings 2

Ingredients

For the Cucumber Salad:

  • 3 Persian or mini cucumbers thinly sliced
  • 3 green onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • Pinch of kosher salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp, plus more for serving
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons loosely chopped cilantro plus more for serving
  • 2 tablespoons loosely chopped Thai basil plus more for serving
  • 1 tablespoon loosely chopped mint plus more for serving

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 tablespoons Fly by Jing Mala Spice Mix (see note)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil

For Serving:

  • Prepared brown rice
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

Prepare the Cucumber Salad:

  • In a medium-sized bowl, add all of your cucumber salad ingredients and stir to combine. Set aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Prepare the Chicken:

  • Season each side of the chicken with the Mala Spice Mix and salt.
  • In a large skillet and the avocado oil and heat over medium-high. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  • Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let rest for a few minutes then slice.

Assemble:

  • Next, add your prepared brown rice to each bowl, then add the chicken and top with the cucumber salad. Add additional herbs and chili crisp, plus lime wedges. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

If you cannot get Fly by Jing Mala Spice Mix, salt and pepper works fine! You can do a total of 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.

The post Chili Crisp Chicken Bowls appeared first on The Defined Dish.

Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps assembled with additional limes and picked shallots surrounding.I have plenty of chicken wrap recipes on my website but these Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps are in…

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Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps assembled with additional limes and picked shallots surrounding.

I have plenty of chicken wrap recipes on my website but these Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps are in a league of their own! So much flavor packed into such a delicious bite.

Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps assembled with additional limes and picked shallots surrounding.

Grilled chicken is a go-to at my house during grilling season but I am always trying to think of new ways to keep it interesting! So for #DDGrillWeek 2024, I wanted to pack some delicious flavor into chicken thighs and then pile them into lettuce wraps.

The star of the show here is the combination of the green curry paste and coconut milk! Those two along with ginger, cilantro, and a few other ingredients come together to make a beautiful marinade for your chicken, plus you will reserve some of it to drizzle on top of your lettuce wraps when serving. Paired with some quick-pickled shallots, more cilantro, mint, and peanuts, you will be going back for seconds with these Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps!

Ingredients:

  • Unsweetened Coconut Milk  
  • Green Curry Paste: I like Mae Ploy brand
  • Grated Ginger: From a jar
  • Fresh Cilantro Leaves
  • Fish Sauce 
  • Coconut Aminos  
  • Coconut Sugar 
  • Lime Zest
  • Kosher Salt
  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
  • Shallots
  • Rice Vinegar
  • Butter Lettuce
  • Fresh Mint Leaves
  • Crushed Unsalted Peanuts  

Recipe Step-by-Step:

Step One: Make the Chicken Marinade

In a high-speed blender or wide-mouth jar using an immersion blender, combine the coconut milk, green curry paste, garlic, ginger, cilantro, fish sauce, coconut aminos, coconut sugar, lime zest, and salt. Blend until smooth. Reserve ½ cup of the marinade and refrigerate until ready to use.

Marinade for Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps in blender.

Step Two: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a food storage container and pour the remaining marinade over the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and let marinade at room temperature for 30 minutes or in the fridge for up to 6 hours.

Spicy Coconut Chicken marinating in white bowl.

Step Three: Make the Quick-Pickled Shallots

Meanwhile, make the quick-pickled shallots by combining all of the ingredients in a small bowl and tossing to combine. These keep well in the fridge for about 4 days.

Quick-pickled shallots in glass bowl.

Step Four: Prepare the Grill

When ready to cook, heat the grill over medium-high heat (350- 400℉) and oil the grill grates. To do this, dip a wadded paper towel in a little avocado oil and, using tongs, wipe the oil evenly over the grate. Be careful not to use too much oil, because that’s a sure-fire way to start a good flare-up— a little goes a long way here.

Step Five: Grill the Chicken

Cook the chicken over the heat for 4 minutes per side, until the pieces turn golden and grill marks appear. The lid should be closed throughout the cooking process. Flip the pieces once more and turn the heat to medium-low, about 300°F. Using some of the reserved coconut sauce (saving some for serving), use a grill brush and brush the chicken so that it is coated in more of the sauce. Continue to cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken has cooked through and the internal temp is 165°F.

Step Six: Let the Chicken Rest

Remove from the grill and transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 to 8 minutes before slicing into 1-inch strips.

Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken on large white platter with lime wedges and fresh cilantro.

Step Seven: Serve and Enjoy!

To serve, place the sliced chicken in lettuce leaves and drizzle with some of the remaining sauce. Top with pickled shallots, crushed peanuts, fresh mint, cilantro, and a wedge of lime for squeezing.

Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps assembled with additional limes and picked shallots surrounding.

Recipe FAQs:

Can I marinate the chicken in advance?

Yes! You can let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or in the fridge for up to 6 hours. I would not suggest longer than this due to the coconut milk.

What is the best way to serve this to a crowd?

This recipe is great for a “build-your-own” set-up! I place the chicken on a platter, the lettuce leaves on a platter, then have all of the toppings in bowls for people to pick and choose how they want to top their lettuce wraps.

I hope y’all enjoy these lettuce wraps all season long! Comment below once you make them!

For More chicken Lettuce Wrap Recipes:

Gochujang Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Honey-Garlic Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Easy Rotisserie Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce

Whole30 Chicken Lettuce Cups

Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps assembled with additional limes and picked shallots surrounding.
Print

Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 47 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons green curry paste I like Mae Ploy brand
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
  • 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat

For the Quick-Pickled Shallots:

  • 2 large shallots very thinly sliced
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon fish sauce
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar

For the Lettuce Wraps:

  • 2 heads of butter lettuce leaves separated
  • ½ cup cilantro leaves
  • ½ cup mint leaves
  • ½ cup crushed unsalted peanuts

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

  • In a high-speed blender or wide-mouth jar using an immersion blender, combine the coconut milk, green curry paste, garlic, ginger, cilantro, fish sauce, coconut aminos, coconut sugar, lime zest, and salt. Blend until smooth. Reserve ½ cup of the marinade and refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Place the chicken thighs in a food storage container and pour the remaining marinade over the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and let marinade at room temperature for 30 minutes or in the fridge for up to 6 hours.

Make the Quick-Pickled Shallots:

  • Meanwhile, make the quick-pickled shallots by combining all of the ingredients in a small bowl and tossing to combine. These keep well in the fridge for about 4 days.

Grill the Chicken:

  • When ready to cook, heat grill over medium-high heat (350- 400℉) and oil the grill grates. To do this, dip a wadded paper towel in a little avocado oil and, using tongs, wipe the oil evenly over the grate. Be careful not to use too much oil, because that’s a sure-fire way to start a good flare-up—a little goes a long way here.
  • Cook the chicken over the heat for 4 minutes per side, until the pieces turn golden and grill marks appear. The lid should be closed throughout the cooking process. Flip the pieces once more and turn the heat to medium-low, about 300°F. Using some of the reserved coconut sauce (saving some for serving), use a grill brush and brush the chicken so that it is coated in more of the sauce. Continue to cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken has cooked through and the internal temp is 165°F.
  • Remove from the grill and transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 to 8 minutes before slicing into 1-inch strips.

Serve:

  • To serve, place the sliced chicken in lettuce leaves and drizzle with some of the remaining sauce. Top with pickled shallots, crushed peanuts, fresh mint, cilantro and a wedge of lime for squeezing.

Photography and styling by Eat Love Eats.

The post Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps appeared first on The Defined Dish.

Caprese Grilled Chicken

Caprese Grilled Chicken on large white serving platter.This Caprese Grilled Chicken is so simple to make but packed with fresh, delicious flavor! I love this recipe for…

The post Caprese Grilled Chicken appeared first on The Defined Dish.

Caprese Grilled Chicken on large white serving platter.

This Caprese Grilled Chicken is so simple to make but packed with fresh, delicious flavor! I love this recipe for a quick, grilled recipe during the week.

Caprese Grilled Chicken on large serving platter.

The flavor of a classic Caprese salad never gets old to me. Creamy mozzarella, bright tomatoes, fresh basil, and balsamic simply pair together for a delicious bite. With those flavors in mind, I recently made a quick dinner on my Instagram that you all went crazy for so I decided to give it a permanent home on the blog.

Close up of Caprese Grilled Chicken on white serving platter.

For this Caprese Grilled Chicken, chicken is first simply marinated to infuse flavor into the chicken. Next, it is grilled until the chicken is cooked through then topped with basil pesto, either storebought or homemade, and mozzarella cheese that you allow to melt. To finish, you top with a simple cherry tomato salad that adds a burst of brightness and flavor! Serve as desired and you will have a simple, delicious meal everyone around your table will enjoy.

Ingredients:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
  • Italian Seasoning
  • Kosher Salt
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • Basil Pesto: Storebought or Homemade
  • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
  • Shallot
  • Fresh Basil Leaves
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional
Ingredients for Caprese Grilled Chicken on counter.

Step-by-Step:

Step One: Pound the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with parchment paper or plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet, pound the chicken until it is a uniform ½-inch thickness. Pat dry with paper towels.

Raw chicken breasts on parchment. Other ingredients scatter around.

Step Two: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken in a large bowl and add the olive oil, balsamic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss until well combined and set aside to marinade for 15 minutes.

Raw chicken breasts marinating in large white bowl.

Step Three: Make the Cherry Tomato Topping

In a medium-sized bowl, combine all of the tomato topping ingredients and toss to combine. Set aside while you grill the chicken.

Cherry tomato topping in large bowl.

Step Four: Prep the Grill

Heat the grill over medium-high heat (350-400℉) and oil the grill grates (to do this, dip a wadded paper towel in a little oil and, using tongs, wipe the oil evenly over the grate. Be careful not to use too much oil, because that’s a sure-fire way to start a good flare-up—a little goes a long way here.

Step Five: Grill the Chicken

Cook the chicken over the heat for about 4 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and the chicken is cooked through. The lid should be closed throughout the cooking process.

Step Six: Top the Chicken

Reduce the heat to medium-low and spoon about 1 tablespoon of the pesto on top of each chicken breast and spread it across the top into an even layer. Then, evenly sprinkle the tops with the mozzarella cheese. Cover and cook until the cheese is just melted, about 2 minutes. Remove from the grill and transfer to a clean platter to allow to rest for about 4 minutes.

Grilled chicken breasts with cheese melted on top on white platter.

Step Seven: Serve and Enjoy!

To serve, spoon the cherry tomato mixture across the tops of the chicken.

Caprese Grilled Chicken on white serving platter.

Recipe FAQs:

Could I marinate the chicken in advance?

Yes! If preferred, you could marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store int eh fridge until ready to grill.

What should I serve this with?

This would be great with just about anything! Grilled asparagus or broccolini would be wonderful. Plus, my girls like this served with a little pasta as well.

I hope you enjoy this recipe! Comment below once you try it!

for more grilled chicken recipes:

Tex-Mex Grilled Chicken

Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers

Grilled Chili Chicken Tacos with Tomatillo Salsa

Print

Caprese Grilled Chicken

Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons Italian Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup Basil Pesto, storebought or homemade
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Cherry Tomato Topping:

  • 2 cups halved cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 1 large shallot, halved and thinly sliced
  • ½ cup thinly sliced basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

  • Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with parchment paper or plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet, pound the chicken until it is a uniform ½-inch thickness. Pat dry with paper towels.
  • Place the chicken in a large bowl and add the olive oil, balsamic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss until well combined and set aside to marinate for 15 minutes.

Make the Cherry Tomato Topping:

  • In a medium-sized bowl, combine all of the tomato topping ingredients and toss to combine. Set aside while you grill the chicken.

Grill the Chicken:

  • Heat the grill over medium-high heat (350-400) and oil the grill grates (to do this, dip a wadded paper towel in a little oil and, using tongs, wipe the oil evenly over the grate. Be careful not to use too much oil, because that's a sure-fire way to start a good flare-up—a little goes a long way here.
  • Cook the chicken over the heat for about 4 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and the chicken is cooked through. The lid should be closed throughout the cooking process.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and spoon about 1 tablespoon of the pesto on top of each chicken breast and spread it across the top into an even layer. Then, evenly sprinkle the tops with the mozzarella cheese. Cover and cook until the cheese is just melted, about 2 minutes.
  • Remove from the grill and transfer to a clean platter to allow to rest for about 4 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy:

  • To serve, spoon the cherry tomato mixture across the tops of the chicken.

The post Caprese Grilled Chicken appeared first on The Defined Dish.