Basil Pesto Tomato Mozzarella Chicken Bake
Basil Pesto Tomato Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a flavorful and simple dish made with juicy chicken breasts, herby pesto, ripe tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella cheese—all baked together for an easy, satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 2–3 fresh tomatoes, sliced (or 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh basil leaves or balsamic glaze for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place in the prepared dish.
- Spread a spoonful of basil pesto over each chicken breast.
- Top each piece with sliced tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
- Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- For a golden cheese top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes if desired.
- Garnish with fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.
Notes
- Use boneless thighs for extra tenderness if preferred.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can be added for extra flavor.
- Substitute mozzarella with provolone or parmesan for variety.
- To make it creamy, spread a thin layer of cream cheese under the pesto.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
