Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Recipe
This Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken recipe features tender, seasoned chicken breasts topped with vibrant basil pesto, fresh mozzarella slices, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Baked to perfection in the oven, this dish combines Italian flavors with a simple cooking method, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and visually appealing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 large chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Toppings
- ½ cup basil pesto
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray a large casserole dish with cooking spray or lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
- Arrange chicken in dish: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared casserole dish. Drizzle olive oil evenly over the chicken.
- Season chicken: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning over both sides of each chicken breast. Flip the chicken breasts to ensure both sides are thoroughly coated with the seasonings.
- Spread pesto on chicken: Using a tablespoon, spread basil pesto evenly over both sides of the seasoned chicken breasts. Flip carefully with tongs to cover both sides.
- Add mozzarella and tomatoes: Layer slices of fresh mozzarella over the pesto-covered chicken breasts. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes on top.
- Bake covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Bake uncovered to finish: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the mozzarella is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking. You can pound them gently if needed.
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best melting texture.
- Cherry tomatoes add a nice burst of sweetness; you can substitute with grape tomatoes if preferred.
- Covering the dish with foil prevents the chicken from drying out during initial baking.
- Check for doneness with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: baked chicken, pesto chicken, mozzarella chicken, Italian chicken recipe, easy baked chicken, dinner recipe
Find it online: https://chefmilacook.com/baked-pesto-mozzarella-chicken-recipe/
