Baked Chicken Fillet Appetizer

This delicious baked chicken fillet appetizer is a delightful combination of tender chicken, savory cheese, and aromatic herbs, creating a feast of flavors in each bite. The dish features juicy chicken fillets, seasoned with salt and pepper, accompanied by tangy feta, creamy mozzarella, and flavorful basil pesto. Each piece is enhanced with toppings like ripe tomatoes, black and green olives, and the herbaceous notes of thyme and rosemary. This appetizer is quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for parties or family gatherings. With just a short bake in the oven, the chicken remains moist while the cheese melts perfectly. Garnished with fresh basil or parsley leaves, this dish is a vibrant and tasteful presentation. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone dish or pair it with other delights, this recipe will surely be a hit. Read on for the full recipe and some helpful tips to achieve the best results.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

3 chicken fillets
Mozzarella cheese (as needed)
Tomato (sliced)
Black and green olives (sliced)
Feta cheese (cubed)
Thin slices of cured ham
Fresh cheese (small dollops)
Dried tomatoes in oil (strips)

Spices and Sauces

Salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
Basil pesto (as needed)
Thyme leaves (for sprinkling)
Rosemary leaves (for garnishing)
Basil or parsley leaves (for garnishing)

Preparation Time

Total time: 25 minutes (includes prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Rinse and pat dry the chicken fillets. Depending on their size, cut each fillet into 3-5 pieces.
Using a meat mallet, gently flatten each piece. Season them on both sides with salt and black pepper.
Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, turning occasionally, until they are lightly browned on each side, about 2-3 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (about 390°F).
Transfer the browned chicken pieces to a baking tray.
For one part of the pieces, top with diced feta cheese, sliced black olives, and sprinkle with thyme leaves.
On another portion, place cured ham slices, small dollops of fresh cheese, and strips of dried tomatoes.
For the remaining pieces, lay tomato slices on top and add a piece of mozzarella cheese on each tomato.
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the chicken is cooked through.
Carefully remove from the oven. Garnish the feta-topped pieces with more olives. Adorn the ham-topped ones with rosemary leaves, and the tomato-topped ones with a dollop of basil pesto and basil or parsley leaves.
Serve immediately while they are hot. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures of this delightful appetizer!

Tips

Variations: Substitute the chicken with turkey fillets for a leaner option. Use vegan cheese for a plant-based version.
Cooking: Ensure even cooking by not overcrowding the pan when searing the fillets.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 280 per serving
Protein: Around 25g
Fats: Approximately 15g
Carbohydrates: Around 3g

Variations

Herbed Variation: Add fresh thyme and rosemary directly on the chicken before baking for a more aromatic variation.
Cheese Substitution: Swap feta with goat cheese for a tangier flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad drizzled with vinaigrette.
Serve alongside crusty bread or warm pita.
Complement with a chilled glass of white wine or a light beer.

Best Places

Le Gourmet - Known for its exquisite presentation and gourmet flavors. Location: 23 Rue de la Paix, Paris, France.
The Chicken Corner - Offers a unique twist on traditional chicken dishes. Location: 201 S Bondi Rd, Sydney, Australia.
Bistro Bakes - Famous for their baked appetizers with a homey touch. Location: 15 Charles St, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Pesto Perfection - Offers dishes that hinge on pesto’s delightful aroma. Location: 12 Main St, Rome, Italy.
The Grazing Table - Features a diverse menu of small dishes with bold flavors. Location: 8 Elm St, New York City, USA.
Olive Haven - Specializes in Mediterranean-inspired delights. Location: 45 Leafy Ln, Athens, Greece.
Herb and Cheese - Renowned for their cheesy creations and fresh herb flavors. Location: 36 Garden St, Montreal, Canada.
Tomato and Thyme - Celebrated for their fresh ingredients and vibrant dishes. Location: 67 Baker St, London, England.
Rosy Rosemary - Acclaimed for their aromatic dishes featuring rosemary. Location: 9 Willow Ave, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Basil Bliss - Offers dishes that celebrate basil in innovative ways. Location: 19 Laurel Dr, Dublin, Ireland.