I don't know what else to say about this meal except that it was amazing. Crispy fried chicken topped with juicy, ripe tomatoes, melty mozzarella cheese and fresh basil from my garden. Heaven. I savored every bite.
A word of warning - this is definitely a summer meal. Don't try making this when tomatoes aren't in season. You want that freshness that can only come from a sun-ripened tomato fresh from a farmer's market and basil that wasn't grown hydroponically.
Chicken Caprese
Mary Ellen’s Cooking Creations
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Olive oil
Oregano
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper
Flour
1 egg, beaten with a little water
Breadcrumbs mixed with salt, pepper, and garlic powder
1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
2 tomatoes, sliced
1/2-lb fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
Basil, sliced
1 15-oz can diced tomatoes
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup white wine
1 lb cooked spaghetti
1/2 cup reserved cooking liquid from the pasta
Pound chicken just a bit, then coat it with some olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder. Marinate in the fridge at least a few hours.
Preheat oven to 350; also start a pot of water for the pasta.
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan. Dredge chicken in flour; dip in egg, repeat to double dip it. Then coat chicken in the bread crumbs and add to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer chicken to a baking dish and put in the oven (no more than 10 minutes in the oven).
Discard the frying oil and wipe the pan clean. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pan. Add garlic, saute 1 minute. Deglaze pan with wine, scraping up all brown bits. Add diced tomatoes and let simmer. Season with salt and pepper.
Take the chicken out of the oven, top with the sliced tomatoes, a few slices of mozzarella, half of the basil, and a touch of freshly ground black pepper. Return to the oven to cook for 2 minutes.
Add reserved cooking liquid from the pasta to the tomato/garlic/wine mixture. Let simmer. Toss pasta in the tomato/garlic/wine mixture. You could also mix in some mini mozzarella balls or tiny pieces of mozzarella at this point.
Serve chicken over the pasta.
I've had this meal starred in my Google Reader ever since she first posted it. You've inspired me to move it to the top of my list -- what a gorgeous plate of food!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful picture!
ReplyDeleteLooks yummy! I'm putting it my menu for this week.
ReplyDeleteYour photo is gorgeous. I want this now. I'm not big on plain tomatoes though-I would if I can substitute some red peppers in for the sliced tomatoes.
ReplyDeleteCassie - You won't be sorry! It's so good.
ReplyDeleteMaryEllen - Thanks for the recipe. :)
Terri - I hope you like it.
Heather - The red pepper would definitely change the flavor but if you don't like tomato then it's a good substitute.
No convincing needed - I know how good the Caprese combo is with chicken - even better, I imagine, when it's lightly breaded. Intensely, craving-inducing good. This looks spectacular.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea, especially for the summer months
ReplyDeleteMelissa - I knew you'd approve. :)
ReplyDeleteKatie - It's like summer in a bowl, along with crispy chicken.
Hi there! I am happy I found your blog. This looks like a good chicken caprese recipe. I found this while trying to determine the etymology of caprese - specifically as it relates to food. It is hard to find anything. The only real information is that it is a derivation of caprice which of course would be directly related to anything involving the island of Capri. Do you know the origin of chicken caprese?
ReplyDeleteThank you in advance,
Benny