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Easy Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Recipe

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4.3 from 4 reviews

This Easy Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken recipe combines juicy, seasoned chicken breasts with aromatic basil pesto, melted fresh mozzarella, and sweet cherry tomatoes. It’s a simple, flavorful meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, baked to tender perfection in just 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 30 to 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • Non-stick cooking spray
  • 4 large chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Toppings

  • ½ cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 10 oz cherry tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray a large 11 x 8-inch baking dish thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder over the chicken breasts. Turn the chicken breasts gently to coat them evenly with the oil and spices.
  3. Apply Pesto: Spoon the basil pesto over the seasoned chicken breasts. Use a silicone spatula to spread the pesto evenly on top of each chicken breast. Then, using kitchen tongs, gently flip each breast 1-2 times to ensure the pesto covers all sides for maximum flavor.
  4. Add Cheese and Tomatoes: Place slices of fresh mozzarella on top of each chicken breast. Scatter the cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the baking dish to roast alongside.
  5. Bake Covered: Tent the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil to keep moisture in. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes covered. This initial covered baking helps keep the chicken juicy.
  6. Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 15 minutes. Continue until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) as checked with a digital meat thermometer. This step allows the cheese to melt and brown slightly and the tomatoes to soften.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
  • Using fresh basil pesto will enhance the flavor, but store-bought works fine for convenience.
  • Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and keep it juicy.
  • Leftover chicken can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain moisture.
  • Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with grape tomatoes if preferred.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 to 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Low Salt

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