Chicken Fresco from Ruby Tuesday features tender grilled chicken topped with fresh tomatoes, melted mozzarella cheese, and basil pesto, served on a bed of sauteed spinach, offering a vibrant blend of savory and herbaceous flavors.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Saute pan or skillet
- Spatula or tongs
- Mixing bowl
- Cheese grater
- Serving plates
- Spoon (for pesto)
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Fresh, ripe tomatoes are key to achieving the bright flavor in Chicken Fresco, while using high-quality basil pesto enhances the herbaceous notes in the dish. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure even grilling and tenderness. Fresh spinach should be sauteed lightly to retain its vibrant color and nutrients without becoming mushy. Mozzarella cheese melts best when shredded finely, allowing it to cover the chicken evenly. Your copycat Chicken Fresco from Ruby Tuesday will taste authentic by focusing on these ingredient details and preparation techniques.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
- Grill chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through.
- While chicken grills, heat saute pan over medium heat.
- Add olive oil to pan.
- Add spinach and saute until wilted. Set aside.
- Dice fresh tomatoes.
- Once chicken is nearly cooked, spoon basil pesto over each breast.
- Top each chicken breast with diced tomatoes.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over tomatoes.
- Cover grill briefly to melt cheese, or transfer chicken to broiler for 2 minutes.
- Arrange sauteed spinach on serving plates.
- Place chicken breasts on top of spinach.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Chicken Fresco from Ruby Tuesday copycat menu showcases tender grilled chicken breasts topped with juicy fresh tomatoes, melted mozzarella cheese, and aromatic basil pesto served over a bed of sauteed spinach. If fresh basil pesto is not available, you can substitute with a simple mixture of olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of dried basil or Italian seasoning to maintain the herbaceous flavor. When grilling chicken, ensure your grill or grill pan is preheated to achieve beautiful grill marks and prevent sticking, which enhances both texture and taste. You can replace fresh spinach with kale or Swiss chard if preferred, but adjust cooking time to soften the greens properly. Use a sharp chef's knife for precise cuts, ensuring your presentation remains visually appealing as in the original dish.
Tips
Make sure to preheat your grill or grill pan properly to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking of the chicken breasts. When seasoning, apply salt and black pepper evenly on both sides for balanced flavor throughout the meat. Carefully watch the cheese melting step; overcooking might cause the cheese to burn instead of melting smoothly. Use a sharp chef's knife and stable cutting board when dicing tomatoes to maintain texture and prevent bruising, which helps preserve fresh flavors for your dish.
Nutritions
Chicken Fresco is a nutrient-rich dish that provides a high-quality source of lean protein from the grilled chicken breasts, essential for muscle repair and maintenance. Your meal also includes fresh tomatoes, which are rich in vitamins C and A, adding antioxidant benefits to support immune health. The sauteed spinach offers a good dose of iron and dietary fiber, promoting digestion and energy production. Melted mozzarella cheese contributes calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone health, while basil pesto adds healthy fats from olive oil and antioxidants from fresh herbs.
Storage
Store leftover Chicken Fresco in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Keep the grilled chicken, tomatoes, and sauteed spinach separate if possible to avoid sogginess, and consume within 3 days for optimal taste and safety. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven to preserve the tender texture and melted mozzarella cheese.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute fresh tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for a more concentrated, tangy flavor. Replacing mozzarella with provolone or gouda will add a richer, smokier taste to your dish. If grilling isn't an option, pan-searing the chicken breasts followed by baking in the oven helps retain moisture while melting the cheese perfectly. Incorporate garlic or shallots when sauteing spinach to enhance the herbaceous undertones of your meal.
Allergies
Chicken Fresco contains common allergens such as dairy from the shredded mozzarella cheese and tree nuts from the basil pesto, which often includes pine nuts. Individuals with nut or dairy allergies should be cautious and inquire about ingredient substitutions to avoid adverse reactions. Your safety is important when enjoying this dish, so communicating your allergy concerns to the restaurant is recommended.
Why this recipe?
Chicken Fresco from Ruby Tuesday is celebrated for its juicy grilled chicken breast topped with fresh pico de gallo, melted Jack cheese, and a drizzle of tangy lime crema. The dish balances vibrant flavors and textures, creating a satisfying yet light meal that appeals to health-conscious diners. Its combination of fresh ingredients and grilled perfection makes it a standout option on the menu, prompting many to recreate the experience at home. Trying your hand at a copycat version allows you to enjoy the signature taste while customizing the seasoning to your preferences.