Description
Comforting cheesy pesto baked chicken brings Italian countryside warmth to dinner tables with minimal effort. Simple ingredients blend into a creamy, herb-infused masterpiece that will delight you at first bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese and Sauce:
- ½ cup (120 g) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Oil:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Cherry tomatoes (optional, for baking alongside the chicken)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a robust 200C (400F), creating an ideal roasting environment for the chicken. Gently coat a baking dish with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels, ensuring a crisp exterior during baking.
- Season the chicken with salt and black pepper, distributing the seasoning evenly across the surface for a balanced flavor profile.
- Spread a generous layer of pesto sauce over each chicken breast, making sure to cover the entire top with a smooth, even coating.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the pesto-covered chicken, creating a rich and melty topping.
- Add additional grated parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella for an extra depth of cheesy complexity.
- Transfer the prepared chicken to the preheated baking dish, positioning the pieces with enough space between them to ensure even cooking.
- Place the baking dish in the oven and roast for approximately 22-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74C (165F).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist final result.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant and aromatic finishing touch before serving.
Notes
- Marinate chicken breasts in pesto for extra flavor absorption, allowing them to sit for 30 minutes before baking to enhance taste depth.
- Choose high-quality, fresh mozzarella cheese for a creamy and rich melting texture that complements the pesto’s herbal notes.
- Opt for homemade or store-bought basil pesto, ensuring it’s vibrant green and fragrant for the most authentic and delicious result.
- Adjust cooking time based on chicken breast thickness, using a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy chicken at 74C (165F) internal temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg