Description
Enjoy a flavorful and easy-to-make baked pesto mozzarella chicken recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts smothered in basil pesto, topped with fresh mozzarella and cherry tomatoes, baked to perfection. This 30-minute dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that tastes gourmet with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 large chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Sauce and Toppings
- ½ cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes
- Non-stick cooking spray (for baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray an 11 x 8-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking during baking.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle approximately 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder onto the chicken, then turn the breasts to coat all sides with the seasoning and oil.
- Add Pesto Sauce: Spoon the basil pesto evenly over the top of the chicken breasts. Use a silicone spatula to spread the pesto thoroughly over each piece. Use kitchen tongs to gently flip each chicken breast one to two times to coat the entire surface with pesto.
- Top with Cheese and Tomatoes: Lay the fresh sliced mozzarella evenly over each coated chicken breast. Scatter the cherry tomatoes around and on top of the chicken breasts inside the baking dish.
- Bake Covered: Tent the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake covered for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and chicken to cook gently.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 5 to 15 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a digital meat thermometer, making sure it reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption. The cheese should be melted and bubbly and the tomatoes slightly roasted.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade basil pesto depending on your preference.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety.
- If you prefer a crisper cheese topping, broil the chicken uncovered for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
- Cherry tomatoes add a pop of sweetness and moisture but can be substituted with grape tomatoes if desired.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
