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Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 100 reviews

This Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts with rich basil pesto, creamy fresh mozzarella, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all baked to perfection. It’s a flavorful and wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressive dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 4 large chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil/melted butter)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp paprika (or cayenne pepper/chipotle powder)
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder (or garlic flakes)
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

Toppings

  • ½ cup basil pesto (or sun-dried tomato pesto/arugula pesto)
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced (or shredded mozzarella, provolone, gouda, burrata)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or grape tomatoes/diced Roma tomatoes)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a large casserole dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Arrange and oil the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer inside the prepared baking dish. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the chicken to keep it moist during baking.
  3. Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. You can either mix the spices in a bowl first or sprinkle them directly onto the chicken.
  4. Apply the pesto: Using tongs, flip each chicken breast and spread basil pesto on both sides, ensuring a flavorful coating throughout.
  5. Add mozzarella and tomatoes: Place slices of fresh mozzarella over the top of each chicken breast. Distribute halved cherry tomatoes around or on top of the chicken, adding freshness and a pop of color.
  6. Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil to lock in moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • You can swap chicken breasts with thighs for a richer flavor or turkey breasts for a leaner option.
  • Feel free to experiment with different types of pesto such as sun-dried tomato or arugula for unique flavor profiles.
  • Substitute mozzarella with provolone, gouda, shredded mozzarella, or burrata for varied textures and tastes.
  • Cherry tomatoes can be replaced with grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes if needed.
  • Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Keywords: Baked Pesto Chicken, Mozzarella Chicken, Italian Chicken Recipe, Healthy Chicken Dinner, Basil Pesto Chicken

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/baked-pesto-mozzarella-chicken-recipe/