Chicken Pesto Bake

Chicken Pesto Bake

This easy Baked Pesto Chicken is a fast chicken dish made with skinless chicken breasts, pesto, tomatoes, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. You can make this in the oven, or make it outside on the grill!

Ingredients

  • 2 16 oz total boneless

    skinless chicken breasts

  • kosher salt and fresh pepper to taste
  • 4 teaspoons Skinny Basil Pesto
  • 1 medium tomatoes

    sliced thin

  • 6 tbsp 1.5 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 teaspoons grated parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. 1

    Wash chicken and dry with a paper towel. Slice chicken breast horizontally to create 4 thinner cutlets. Season lightly with salt and fresh pepper.

  2. 2

    Preheat the oven to 400° F. Line baking sheet with foil or parchment if desired for easy clean-up.

  3. 3

    Place the chicken on prepared baking sheet. Spread about 1 teaspoon of pesto over each piece of chicken.

  4. 4

    Bake for 15 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center. Remove from oven; top with tomatoes, mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

  5. 5

    To Grill: Grill chicken over medium flame on both sides until cooked through in the center.  Lower flame, top chicken with pesto, tomatoes and cheese, and close grill until cheese melts.

Chicken Pesto Bake

Chicken Pesto Bake

4.8(58)

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Ratings & Reviews

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Based on 58 ratings

skinnytaste.com
4.8(58 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Looking for a flavorful, low-effort dinner that doesn't compromise on taste? This easy Chicken Pesto Bake delivers on all fronts, bringing together tender chicken, vibrant pesto, and gooey cheese in one irresistible dish that's perfect for a busy weeknight.

What makes this Baked Pesto Chicken so brilliant is its sheer simplicity. By combining juicy, boneless, skinless chicken breasts with aromatic basil pesto, fresh tomatoes, and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, you get a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. It’s a dish designed for maximum impact with minimal fuss, transforming everyday ingredients into something special.

Prepare for a delightful experience where succulent chicken is infused with the herbaceous depth of basil pesto. The thin slices of fresh tomato add a burst of acidity and lightness, beautifully balancing the rich, creamy melted mozzarella and the sharp, savory notes of Parmesan. Each bite offers a satisfying combination that feels both comforting and surprisingly fresh, showcasing how simple, wholesome ingredients can truly shine.

While delicious as is, this Pesto Chicken is wonderfully versatile. If you don't have fresh tomatoes, halved cherry or grape tomatoes would also work beautifully. You can also experiment with the ratio of mozzarella to Parmesan to suit your preference for cheesiness. For an extra layer of flavor, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick.

This simple yet elegant dish makes a fantastic weeknight dinner that feels like a treat. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad, some roasted vegetables, or a simple pasta for a complete and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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