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Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

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  • Author: elsa-nelson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

A comforting chicken dish smothered in rich pesto and gooey mozzarella, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup basil pesto sauce
  • 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
  3. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  4. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
  5. Spread an even amount of pesto sauce over each chicken breast.
  6. Layer the shredded mozzarella evenly over the pesto-topped chicken.
  7. In a separate bowl, toss cherry tomato halves with olive oil and scatter them around the chicken.
  8. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and tomatoes.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  10. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
  11. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to avoid dryness. Consider using parchment paper for easy cleanup.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg