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Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Recipe

Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 10 reviews

This Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated with aromatic basil pesto, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and sweet cherry tomatoes. Perfect for a high-protein dinner, it combines Italian-inspired herbs and spices for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 4 large chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

Toppings

  • ½ cup basil pesto
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a large casserole dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
  2. Arrange Chicken and Add Olive Oil: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the dish and drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to keep them moist during baking.
  3. Season Chicken: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning evenly on both sides of each chicken breast. Flip them carefully to ensure both sides are fully coated with the seasoning blend.
  4. Spread Pesto: Using a tablespoon, spread the basil pesto evenly over both sides of the seasoned chicken breasts. Use tongs to flip them gently, coating the top and bottom thoroughly.
  5. Add Cheese and Tomatoes: Place slices of fresh mozzarella on top of each chicken breast, then scatter the halved cherry tomatoes over and around the chicken for added flavor and moisture.
  6. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through while retaining moisture.
  7. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the mozzarella is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  8. Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to let juices redistribute for maximum tenderness and flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh mozzarella for the best melt and flavor; shredded mozzarella can be substituted but may yield different texture.
  • Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for even cooking; pound them lightly if necessary.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
  • For a gluten-free meal, confirm that the pesto and seasonings used are gluten-free.
  • Feel free to add fresh basil leaves as garnish to enhance the aroma and presentation.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken, pesto chicken, mozzarella chicken, Italian chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, high protein chicken

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