Name: Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup basil pesto; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Description

This Baked Pesto Chicken recipe offers a flavorful and easy-to-make Italian-inspired main course featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in vibrant basil pesto, topped with juicy cherry tomatoes, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish combines creamy, cheesy textures with aromatic herbs for a satisfying low-carb, gluten-free meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Toppings

½ cup basil pesto
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer inside the dish.
Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
Add Pesto: Spread about 2 tablespoons of basil pesto over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring an even coating of this aromatic sauce.
Add Tomatoes: Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around and on top of the chicken, adding freshness and slight sweetness.
Add Cheese: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the chicken and tomatoes for a creamy, cheesy topping.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 25–30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired before serving.

Notes

Serve this baked pesto chicken with pasta, rice, or a green salad for a complete, balanced meal.
You can use either homemade or store-bought basil pesto depending on your preference and time constraints.
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in pesto for a few hours before baking to infuse the meat.