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 entrΓ©e, 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 375Β°F (190Β°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 165Β°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 |
1838 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 111.5 g | 143% | |
| Saturated Fat | 37.2 g | 186% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 352 mg | 117% | |
| Sodium | 5494 mg | 239% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 78.6 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.1 g | 82% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.2 g | ||
| Protein | 130.4 g | 261% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 1748 mg | 134% | |
| Iron | 6.4 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 3020 mg | 64% | |
*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.