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Basil Pesto Tomato Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe

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4.3 from 15 reviews

  • Author: Eliza
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Basil Pesto Tomato Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with aromatic basil pesto, fresh tomato slices, and melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection, it’s a delicious, comforting meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual family gathering.

Ingredients

Chicken

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

Toppings

  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • 2 tomatoes, sliced
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to get it ready for baking the chicken.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts evenly in a medium-sized casserole pan. Sprinkle them lightly with salt, then top each breast with the minced garlic to infuse flavor.
  3. Add Basil Pesto: Spread about 2 tablespoons of basil pesto evenly over the surface of each chicken breast, ensuring they are well coated for maximum herbaceous taste.
  4. Layer Tomato Slices: Arrange the fresh tomato slices evenly over each pesto-coated chicken breast, adding a juicy, fresh component to the dish.
  5. Top with Mozzarella: Layer thick slices of fresh mozzarella cheese over the tomatoes to create a creamy, melty topping once baked.
  6. Bake the Chicken: Place the casserole pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Add Fresh Basil and Serve: Once baked, remove from oven and top each chicken breast with freshly chopped basil and an additional fresh slice of tomato for garnish. Optionally, pour the flavorful juices from the casserole pan over cooked pasta or rice to serve alongside.

Notes

  • Adjust salt according to your dietary needs; the pesto can be salty.
  • Check chicken doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Use fresh basil pesto for best flavor, or substitute with store-bought for convenience.
  • This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a green salad.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated within 2 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://recipekind.com/basil-pesto-tomato-mozzarella-chicken-bake-recipe/