Print

Baked Pesto Chicken Dish: A Delicious and Easy Recipe to Try Tonight

Print Recipe

This Baked Pesto Chicken features juicy chicken breasts topped with a creamy basil pesto and cheese mixture, accompanied by roasted cherry tomatoes for a deliciously satisfying meal. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
  3. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning over both sides of the chicken breasts.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  5. In a medium bowl, mix basil pesto with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
  6. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and place the seared chicken breasts in a single layer.
  7. Spoon the pesto and cheese mixture over each chicken breast, covering them well.
  8. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the baking dish.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the chicken and tomatoes.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  11. For a crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
  12. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
  13. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot, either on its own or with a side of pasta, rice, or a fresh salad.

Notes

  • To make this dish a complete meal, consider serving it with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
  • For a personal touch, try making your own pesto using fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
  • Feel free to add more vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, to the baking dish for added nutrition and flavor.

Find it online: https://anasrecipes.com/baked-pesto-chicken-dish/