Description
This Easy Pesto Chicken recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in basil pesto, topped with cherry tomatoes and melted mozzarella cheese, then baked to perfection. Serve this Italian-inspired dish with pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Season chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides and place them in the baking dish.
- Add pesto: Spread basil pesto evenly over each chicken breast.
- Add toppings: Top with halved cherry tomatoes, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in pesto for 30 minutes before baking.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
