Print

Basil Pesto Tomato Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe

Basil Pesto Tomato Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe

4.8 from 27 reviews

A flavorful and easy-to-make Basil Pesto Tomato Mozzarella Chicken Bake featuring tender chicken breasts topped with fresh basil pesto, juicy tomato slices, and melted mozzarella cheese, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

Toppings

  • ½ cup basil pesto
  • 2 tomatoes, sliced
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a medium-sized casserole pan and sprinkle them with salt evenly to season the meat.
  3. Add Garlic: Evenly distribute the minced garlic over the salted chicken breasts to infuse flavor.
  4. Apply Basil Pesto: Spread the basil pesto evenly on top of each chicken breast, ensuring full coverage for a rich taste.
  5. Add Tomato Slices: Layer the sliced tomatoes over the pesto-covered chicken breasts to add freshness and moisture.
  6. Top with Mozzarella: Place thick slices of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of the tomato slices for a creamy, melted topping.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F for 20-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Garnish and Serve: When serving, top each chicken breast with freshly chopped basil and an extra slice of tomato. Pour the flavorful pan juices over pasta or rice to enhance your meal.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
  • Use fresh basil pesto for the best flavor; store-bought works well in a pinch.
  • Adjust salt amount based on the saltiness of the pesto.
  • Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  • Leftover pan juices make an excellent sauce for side dishes.

Nutrition

Keywords: basil pesto, chicken bake, mozzarella, tomato, Italian chicken recipe, baked chicken, easy dinner