Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Spicy Pesto Chicken Bruschetta


This dish is perfect as an appetizer for a summer party. Or a light lunch or dinner item paired with a large salad. Classic basil pesto is spiced with a bit of jalapeno and red pepper flakes and then added to roasted chicken. The chicken alone is fantastic (and delicious with steamed potatoes and spring peas), but for a twist on bruschetta, give this a try.


I love the ease of this recipe. Shred the chicken, pile it on top of toasted bread, sprinkle Parmigiano-Reggiano over everything and serve. For the easiest ever preparation, cheat and use purchased pesto and a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Cut up the chicken, stir in the pesto and follow the rest of the instructions. Sssh! No one will know... Enjoy!


Spicy Pesto Chicken Bruschetta
(serves 6)

4 boneless chicken breasts
sea salt
black pepper
3/4 cup prepared basil pesto (store-bought or recipe here), divided
1/2 jalapeno, seeded and minced (wear gloves and wash your hands after cutting)
pinch red pepper flakes
1 large sourdough or french bread
shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Add the chicken breasts to the pan and generously season with salt and pepper. 

Add the pesto to a small bowl. Stir in the jalapeno & red pepper flakes. Spread the1/2 cup of the prepared pesto evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Roast in oven 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Remove from oven.

Place chicken on cutting board and cut into small pieces. Add to medium sized bowl and scrape any pesto from the baking sheet into the chicken. Stir to combine.

Slice the bread into serving pieces. Toast or broil until golden brown. Spread the remaining pesto over the toasted bread. Mound the pesto chicken over the top of each slice of bread. Sprinkle Parmigiano-Reggiano over chicken and serve immediately.


Summer means easy, breezy dishes made from fresh, just-picked produce and this week at Food Network's Summer Soiree we are celebrating ChickenDo you have a favorite chicken recipe? Share in the comments section and/or link to your blog if you have one. And be sure to check out the delicious sounding recipes from my blogger friends and Food Network. 

Feed Me Phoebe: Gluten-Free Healthy Chicken Parmesan with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
The Lemon Bowl: 
Za’atar Spiced Grilled Chicken
The Heritage Cook: 
The World's Easiest BBQ Chicken
Creative Culinary: 
Smoked Chicken with Chipotle, Peach and Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
Homemade Delish: 
Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups
Daisy at Home: 
Perfect Fried Chicken with 5 Dipping Sauces
Healthy Eats: 
6 Reasons Not to Write Off Chicken — Summer Soiree
Red or Green: 
Spicy Pesto Chicken Bruschetta
Napa Farmhouse 1885: 
"Buffums" Chicken Salad Sandwiches
TasteBook: 
Asian-Style Grilled Chicken Thighs
Domesticate Me: 
Chicken and Goat Cheese Burgers with Peaches, Corn and Cherry Tomatoes
Taste with the Eyes: 
Gochujang Chicken Adobo
Elephants and the Coconut Trees: 
Tandoori Chicken
Bacon and Soufflé: 
BBQ Chicken Pizza
FN Dish: 
The 6 Essential Chicken Recipes of Summer

best,
diane

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