I found this recipe on Pinterest from Table For Two’s blog, and it’s inspired by a gourmet deli chain in DC called Taylor Gourmet.
Instead of frying the chicken tenders in a pan, I baked them for 25 minutes in the oven and they came out perfect! You usually don’t have to worry about not cooking them thoroughly this way. Just slice one in the middle and take a bite to test!
That fear of eating uncooked chicken, and then actually doing it by accident one time (or three…) was totally my life when I first started cooking. Thanks again to Chelcie Ross for teaching me how to bake chicken.
Pesto & Goat Cheese Chicken Ciabatta
Makes 4 servings
Get the Goods:
- 8 chicken tenderloins
- 2 eggs
- 5 tbsp basil pesto, store bought or homemade
- ¾ cup Panko or italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz goat cheese (log, not crumbled)
- 1 large loaf of ciabatta bread, sliced
- Salt and pepper
- Aluminum foil
- Cooking spray
Just a Few Steps:
1. Preheat the oven at 375 degrees. Prepare a large baking dish with aluminum foil and spray generously with cooking spray (I use coconut oil spray).
2. Grab 2 bowls: In one, whisk the eggs. In the other, mix together the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Coat each piece of chicken with salt and pepper on both sides, then dip it completely into the eggs, followed by coating it with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken so they stick!
3. Bake the chicken strips in the oven for 25 minutes. In the mean time, grab the goat cheese and pesto and mix together with a large spoon until it’s a a lighter shade of green and the cheese is fully mixed in.
4. Toast the ciabatta bread for a few minutes once the chicken is done. Slab that goat cheese pesto mix onto both sides of the bread, lay 2 chicken strips and then slice your masterpiece in half vertically, and voila! Your very own gourmet sandwich.
I was so happy and inspired to hear from 3 different friends who created their own versions of the Earth Bowl this past week! There’s something special about sharing a great recipe and people actually liking it.