Elevate your dinner table with these irresistible Garlic Infused Chicken, Eggplant, and Roasted Red Peppers Stacks! This elegant yet approachable dish layers tender chicken breast, savory roasted red peppers, golden-browned eggplant, and creamy melted mozzarella, all brought together with a fragrant garlic-infused olive oil drizzle. Fresh basil leaves and a hint of Italian seasoning add aromatic depth, while an optional balsamic glaze provides a tangy-sweet finish. Perfect for a gourmet weeknight meal or an impressive dinner party entrée, this recipe offers rich Mediterranean-inspired flavors with just 20 minutes of prep and a seamless bake. Serve these beautifully stacked creations as a stand-alone masterpiece or alongside a crisp green salad for a show-stopping, well-rounded meal.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the eggplant into 1/2-inch rounds, sprinkle with a pinch of salt on both sides, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry with a paper towel.
Meanwhile, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Set aside to rest, then slice each breast into 4 even pieces.
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the garlic cloves (whole and slightly smashed) to infuse the oil. Cook over medium-low heat until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, about 3-4 minutes. Remove garlic and set infused oil aside.
Add the eggplant slices to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until softened and lightly browned. Add more olive oil if necessary. Remove from heat.
Assemble the stacks on a baking sheet: start with an eggplant slice, followed by a slice of mozzarella, a piece of chicken, a roasted red pepper slice, and a basil leaf. Repeat layers one more time and secure with a toothpick if needed.
Drizzle the stacks with the garlic-infused oil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, if desired, and serve immediately.
Calories |
475 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 25.6 g | 33% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.1 g | 40% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 105 mg | 35% | |
| Sodium | 1042 mg | 45% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20.9 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.8 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.1 g | ||
| Protein | 38.4 g | 77% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 263 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 882 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.