Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Special equipment needed:
- Meat mallet
- Large skillet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet until they are even in thickness.
3. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
4. Dredge the chicken breasts in flour, shaking off any excess.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
7. Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish and spread pesto sauce over each breast.
8. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the pesto sauce.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 460
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 620mg
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 44g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with turkey cutlets or pork tenderloin.
- Pesto sauce can be substituted with sun-dried tomato pesto or basil pesto with pine nuts.
- Goat cheese can be substituted with feta cheese or blue cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers on top of the goat cheese.
- Use mozzarella cheese instead of goat cheese.
- Top the chicken with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese before baking for a crispy crust.
Tips and tricks:
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep the juices inside.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the chicken scaloppine on a bed of cooked pasta or with a side of roasted vegetables.
Garnishes:
Chopped fresh basil leaves or parsley.
Pairings:
Serve with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine.
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or steamed green beans.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the chicken is not cooked through after baking, cover with foil and continue baking until fully cooked.
Food safety advice:
Ensure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
Scaloppine is a traditional Italian dish made with thinly sliced meat that is pounded thin and cooked in a sauce.
Flavor profiles:
The dish is savory and tangy from the pesto sauce and goat cheese, with a hint of sweetness from the chicken.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Pesto and Goat Cheese Scaloppine as a main course for a family dinner or special occasion.
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Region: Italian