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Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe

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4 from 32 reviews

  • Author: Alice
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: High-Protein

Description

This Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Bake features juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts smothered in fragrant basil pesto and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a simple yet delicious Italian-American dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, offering a flavorful, high-protein meal option.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 lbs (900g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Pesto and Cheese

  • ½ cup basil pesto
  • 1½ cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the chicken.
  2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  3. Arrange and Season Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the dish and drizzle evenly with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the chicken for a balanced flavor.
  4. Apply Pesto: Spread the basil pesto evenly over each chicken breast, covering the top surfaces to infuse herby flavor during baking.
  5. Initial Bake: Bake the chicken uncovered for 25 minutes, allowing it to cook through and the pesto to meld.
  6. Add Mozzarella Cheese: Remove the dish from the oven and evenly distribute shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each chicken breast.
  7. Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve the chicken hot with your choice of sides.

Notes

  • Serve with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  • For a richer texture, use fresh mozzarella slices instead of shredded cheese.
  • Store leftover chicken bake in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American Cuisine

Find it online: https://myhomemadecooking.com/pesto-mozzarella-chicken-bake-recipe/