Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare.
• Requires only a handful of ingredients.
• Packed with classic Italian flavors.
• High in protein and naturally low in carbohydrates.
• Perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing.
• Pairs well with a variety of side dishes.
• Great for meal prep and leftovers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Basil pesto
• Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cherry tomatoes (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
3. Pat the chicken breasts dry and place them in the prepared baking dish.
4. Season both sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
5. Spread a generous layer of pesto over each chicken breast.
6. Arrange mozzarella slices evenly on top of the pesto-coated chicken.
7. Add cherry tomatoes around the chicken if using.
8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
9. For a golden, bubbly cheese topping, broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of cooking.
10. Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes.
11. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
12. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for extra juiciness.
• Add sliced tomatoes beneath the mozzarella for a Caprese-inspired version.
• Substitute provolone cheese for mozzarella.
• Mix spinach into the baking dish for added vegetables.
• Use sun-dried tomato pesto instead of basil pesto.
• Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Top with toasted pine nuts before serving.
• Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• Microwave individual portions for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
• Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Cover loosely with foil to help prevent the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly and makes preparation even easier.

What type of mozzarella is best?

Fresh mozzarella provides the creamiest texture, but shredded mozzarella also works well.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs stay juicy and offer excellent flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish several hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

What side dishes pair well with Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken?

Pasta, roasted vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad are all excellent choices.

Is this recipe low-carb?

Yes, it is naturally low in carbohydrates and suitable for many low-carb eating plans.

Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?

Yes, tomatoes, zucchini, spinach, asparagus, and broccoli are great additions.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, the cooked chicken freezes well for up to 3 months.

Can I use homemade pesto?

Definitely. Homemade pesto adds fresh flavor and works beautifully in this recipe.

Conclusion

Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken is a delicious and effortless meal that delivers bold Italian-inspired flavors with minimal preparation. Juicy chicken, fragrant pesto, and melted mozzarella create a satisfying combination that is perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions. Easy to customize and ideal for meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a favorite addition to your dinner rotation.

Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

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Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken is a simple Italian-inspired dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with basil pesto and melted mozzarella cheese. This flavorful, protein-packed meal is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs beautifully with vegetables, pasta, or salads.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Bake
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Basil pesto
• Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cherry tomatoes (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
3. Pat the chicken breasts dry and place them in the prepared baking dish.
4. Season both sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
5. Spread a generous layer of pesto over each chicken breast.
6. Arrange mozzarella slices evenly on top of the chicken.
7. Add cherry tomatoes around the chicken if using.
8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
9. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes for a golden, bubbly cheese topping if desired.
10. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
11. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and Parmesan cheese if desired.
12. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for extra juiciness.
• Add sliced tomatoes beneath the mozzarella for a Caprese-inspired variation.
• Substitute provolone cheese for mozzarella.
• Add spinach, zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli to the baking dish.
• Use sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor profile.
• Finish with balsamic glaze or toasted pine nuts before serving.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months and thaw before reheating.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 46 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg