Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken
Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken is a delightful dish that features juicy chicken breasts topped with vibrant basil pesto and gooey mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-follow recipe transforms your weeknight dinner into a flavor-packed feast the whole family will adore. With minimal prep time and the option to pair it with various sides, it’s perfect for busy evenings or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- ½ cup fresh basil pesto
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, placing them in the prepared baking dish.
- Evenly spread half of the basil pesto over each chicken breast.
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top of the pesto-covered chicken.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Switch to broil mode for an additional 2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Drizzle remaining pesto on top before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Use fresh homemade pesto for maximum flavor. For variations, substitute mozzarella with provolone or add sun-dried tomatoes for extra kick. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.