Baked Cheesy Italian Chicken with Spinach

How to Make

• Step 1: Base ... Prepare a 9x9, or bit larger baking dish by spraying with a non-stick spray. I have a square 10x9" oblong pan which works great for this. Remember, you are only cooking 4 chicken breasts; so, pick a dish that is the appropriate size.

• Step 2: Chicken Note ... This is NOT the time to use those HUGE fresh chicken breasts. I usually buy the ones that come frozen, in a bag ... Like from Tyson (6-8 per bag). They are much smaller, and perfect for this dish. They are usually about 4-6 oz each, which is plenty. If you get those 'fresh over sized large' breasts; cut, them in half horizontally, so you get a much smaller/thinner piece. I don't think you need breasts that are 6 oz or more for this recipe.

• Step 3: Chicken ... I prefer to lightly pound each breast, until they are about 1/2" or a bit thinner. You can do this between 2 pieces of plastic wrap; or, in a plastic ziploc type of bag, which I prefer. Then, season each piece (both sides), with plenty of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the chicken rest on the counter, and come to room temperature.

• Step 4: Dish ... Add the spinach to to your prepared pan; and, top with the onion slices. Then, add the garlic, broth, and wine to a small cup, mix; and, pour over the top of the spinach - and, season lightly with salt and pepper. Top with the 4 chicken breasts, and drizzle the olive oil over the entire dish (especially on each chicken breast).

• Step 5: Bake ... Cover with foil, and bake in a preheated 375 oven, middle shelf, for 20 minutes.

• Step 6: Breadcrumbs ... As the chicken cooks, prepare the parmesan bread crumbs. Simply add the bread crumbs, parsley, parmesan, and olive oil to a small bowl; and, mix to combine. Set to the side.

• Step 7: Topping ... After 20 minutes, remove the pan from the oven; and top each of the chicken breasts with 2 tomato slices, a teaspoon of pesto; and, 1-2 slices of mozzarella. Depending on the size of the breast and the cheese; you may need 1 or 2 slices. Then, sprinkle the bread crumbs on top of the cheese.

• Step 8: Bake ... Return the pan to the oven, and bake uncovered, for 15-20 minutes. Now, if you are like me ... I sometimes turn on the broiler the last couple of minutes - to brown up the bread crumbs. This is not always necessary; just something I like to do. And, all ovens cook differently; so, you can if you want to.

• Step 9: Note: Obviously, depending on the size of your chicken breast; and the type of pan - the times can vary. I have found that 35-40 minutes is usually pretty close.

• Step 10: Serve and ENJOY! ... I like to serve with crusty bread and sauteed vegetables - like artichokes or cauliflower. You can always serve pasta or rice; but, I like to keep it lighter.