Heart-Healthy Pesto Chicken Melt
Savor the delectable flavors of the Heart-Healthy Pesto Chicken Melt, a wholesome twist on your favorite comfort food. This recipe pairs juicy, grilled chicken breasts with a vibrant homemade pesto made from fresh basil, spinach, walnuts, and Parmesan cheese, delivering a nutrient-packed topping bursting with flavor. Served on crispy whole grain bread, each slice is layered with ripe tomato slices and creamy part-skim mozzarella, then broiled to golden perfection for a satisfying, melty finish. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this easy-to-follow recipe comes together in under 40 minutes and is designed with health-conscious, heart-friendly ingredients. Treat yourself to this protein-rich and guilt-free indulgence that the whole family will love!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup Fresh baby spinach leaves
- 2 medium Garlic cloves
- 0.25 cup Walnuts
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 4 pieces Whole grain bread slices
- 1 large Tomatoes, sliced
- 4 ounces Part-skim mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1 optional Olive oil spray
Instructions
Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium heat.
Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the pesto by combining basil leaves, spinach leaves, garlic cloves, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
With the processor running, gradually add the olive oil in a steady stream until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
Preheat your oven's broiler.
Lightly toast the whole grain bread slices in a toaster or under the broiler for 2 minutes until just beginning to crisp, being careful not to burn them.
Spread a generous amount of the prepared pesto over each toasted bread slice.
Slice the grilled chicken breasts into thin pieces and layer evenly over the pesto on each slice of bread.
Place a few tomato slices over each chicken layer and top with mozzarella cheese slices.
Place the prepared melts on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve immediately, garnished with a light drizzle of olive oil if desired and a sprinkle of fresh basil.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2044 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 122.8 g | 157% | |
| Saturated Fat | 30.5 g | 152% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 14.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 376 mg | 125% | |
| Sodium | 3138 mg | 136% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 70.1 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.2 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.5 g | ||
| Protein | 166.6 g | 333% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1304 mg | 100% | |
| Iron | 10.7 mg | 59% | |
| Potassium | 2095 mg | 45% | |
*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.
