Trifecta of Delicious: Cheese, Tomato, & Basil

We started a tomato garden this year. My daughter has been so excited to watch these little seeds sprout, bloom, and grow into full-on tomato plants. Not only do we have tomatoes at our home, but my mother-in-law and father-in-law have a garden at their home. Full of tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and several other vegetables, our meals are never without fresh vegetables during the spring and summer seasons.

In my previous post, I spoke about how chicken doesn't have to be boring. There are so many ways to take chicken out of its boring, bland state. With fresh Gouda, from-the-garden tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves, this little dish is so delicious that my daughter asked me to make it AGAIN the next night! It's quick and easy to make, and it make chicken taste so much richer.

Here's what you'll need:

Chicken topped with Gouda, Tomato, and Basil
Yields 4 servings

Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
7 oz Gouda cheese
2 medium tomatoes (the fresher, the better)
16 leaves fresh basil
Rosemary, to taste
Pepper, to taste

1. Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Spray a oven-safe dish and place chicken in dish.

2. Cut Gouda into small, one-inch squares. Lay on top of chicken.

3. Cut up tomato, and place on top of cheese. Top with two leaves of fresh basil. sprinkle with rosemary and pepper, to taste.

4. Bake chicken at 350-degrees for 30 minutes, or until chicken is completely done.

5. Top each piece of chicken with two more leaves of basil.


I optioned to pair this with a variation of a Greek Salad. I used cucumber, tomato, red onion, and olive oil and vinegar, and topped with the remaining Gouda instead of the normal feta cheese. The meal is quick, fast, and fresh.

I hope you enjoy this meal as much as my family did.

Happy eating!
~Summer