Italian Chicken Delight with Grilled Veggies & Fresh Bread 🍗🍅🍞
(A flavorful dish featuring tender Italian-seasoned chicken, served with a side of vibrant grilled veggies and accompanied by freshly baked bread—perfect for a hearty, comforting meal!)
Ingredients:
🔹 For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, grated
🔹 For the Grilled Veggies:
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 yellow squash, sliced
1 red onion, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
🔹 For the Fresh Bread:
1 loaf Italian bread (or baguette), sliced
2 tablespoons butter (optional, for garlic bread)
1 clove garlic, minced (for garlic bread)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then rub the marinade over the chicken. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
2. Prepare the Grilled Veggies:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Toss the bell pepper, zucchini, squash, and red onion with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Grill the veggies for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and lightly charred.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil.
Cook the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
During the last minute of cooking, drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Let it melt and set the chicken aside.
4. Prepare the Fresh Bread:
For garlic bread, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the Italian bread into thick slices.
Mix butter with minced garlic, then spread it over the bread slices.
Toast the bread in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
5. Serve:
Plate the chicken along with the grilled veggies.
Serve with fresh slices of garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Italian Chicken Delight:
✅ For juicier chicken, consider pounding the breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
✅ Grill the veggies to enhance their natural sweetness and charred flavor.
✅ Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the veggies for an extra layer of sweetness.
✅ Swap the bread for a side of pasta if you prefer a heartier meal.