INGREDIENTS

1 tbsp olive oil, plus additional vegetable oil if grilling

1 tsp Kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

3/4 tsp garlic powder

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1/2 cup basil pesto

6 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

Balsamic reduction or glaze

INSTRUCTIONS 

For the grill:

Preheat the grill to 400 degrees. Dip a paper towel in a bowl of vegetable oil and use a pair of tongs to oil the grill grates.

Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound it to an even thickness.

Rub the chicken with a tablespoon of olive oil, and then season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Place the chicken on the grill and grill for 5 minutes, then flip. Grill for two minutes, then open the grill and top each chicken breast with a tablespoon of pesto, followed by the mozzarella slices and a second scoop of pesto. Cover the grill and continue to grill for another 2-3 few minutes, or until the cheese is melted and chicken registers 165 degrees.

Serve with arugula and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

For the stovetop:

Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound it to an even thickness. I prefer my chicken breasts to be about 3/4 inch thick.

Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 4 minutes or until well-browned.

Flip the chicken over and cook for another 2 minutes, then add a scoop of pesto, mozzarella slices, and another scoop of pesto. Cover the pan and continue to cook another 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and chicken registers 165 degrees.



Serve with arugula and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.