🍇🌿🐔🥔🧀🍄🌟 Greek Garlic Chicken Alfredo with Crispy Parmesan Potatoes & Fig-Balsamic Mushroom Pesto—a truly exciting and indulgent fusion of savory, sweet, tangy, and earthy flavors, with a delightful Mediterranean finish! Tender grilled chicken slices with a garlic-herb marinade, served alongside perfectly crispy Parmesan-garlic roasted potatoes, all embraced by a creamy mushroom pesto Alfredo sauce, enhanced with sweet fig-balsamic glaze and finished generously with crumbled feta. A truly unforgettable and gourmet meal! ✨
Ingredients (Serves 2-3)
🐔🌿 Grilled Chicken Slices with Garlic-Herb Marinade:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into ½-inch thick cutlets or strips
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped 🌿 (or 1 tsp dried)
½ tsp dried thyme
Salt & freshly cracked black pepper to taste
🥔🧀🧄 Parmesan-Garlic Roasted Potatoes:
2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
Salt & freshly cracked black pepper to taste
🍄🧀🌿🍇 Creamy Twist: Creamy Mushroom Pesto Alfredo Enhanced with Sweet Fig-Balsamic Glaze and Feta Crumbles:
1 tbsp olive oil
6 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup fresh basil leaves 🌿 (optional, for pesto feel)
1 ½ cups heavy cream
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀 (for sauce)
2-3 tbsp fig jam (or finely chopped dried figs) 🍇
1 tbsp balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinegar reduced to a glaze)
4 oz feta cheese, crumbled 🧀 (for topping)
Salt & freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare Parmesan-Garlic Roasted Potatoes:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
In a large bowl, toss potato cubes with 2 tbsp olive oil, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 3 cloves minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
Marinate & Grill Chicken Slices:
While potatoes roast, in a bowl, toss chicken slices with 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. Grill or sauté chicken for 2-3 minutes per side (or 5-7 minutes for strips/bites), or until cooked through and nicely charred. Set aside.
Prepare Creamy Mushroom Pesto Alfredo with Fig-Balsamic Glaze:
In a separate large skillet or saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced cremini mushrooms and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook until mushrooms are softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
If using fresh basil for a "pesto" feel, you can either stir it in now or, for a smoother pesto, transfer mushrooms/garlic/basil to a food processor and pulse before returning to the skillet.
Pour in 1 ½ cups heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Stir in the fig jam and balsamic glaze. Whisk until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. (If you pulsed ingredients, stir the mixture back into the cream sauce now). Keep warm over very low heat.
Assemble & Serve:
Divide the crispy Parmesan-garlic roasted potatoes among plates or bowls.
Top with the grilled chicken slices with garlic-herb marinade.
Spoon the creamy mushroom pesto Alfredo sauce enhanced with fig-balsamic glaze generously over the chicken and potatoes.
Finish by sprinkling generously with crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy this truly unique and flavorful meal!
Tips for Success:
Balsamic Glaze: You can buy pre-made balsamic glaze or easily make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan until it reduces by about half and thickens to a syrupy consistency.
Fig Jam: Use a good quality fig jam for the best flavor, or if using dried figs, make sure they are finely chopped and simmered in the sauce to soften.
Chicken Tenderness: Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
Potato Crispiness: Ensure potatoes are in a single layer on the baking sheet for maximum crispiness.
Sauce Consistency: If the Alfredo sauce seems too thick, thin it with a splash of warm chicken broth or milk.
Enjoy this exquisite fusion of flavors!