Baked Pesto Chicken with Mozzarella & Tomatoes 🍗🌿🧀🍅
Juicy chicken breasts baked with fragrant basil pesto, gooey mozzarella, and roasted cherry tomatoes—an easy, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients 🛒
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
- 1 cup prepared basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, left whole
- Cooking spray or oil, for greasing
Instructions 👩🍳
- Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish.
- Arrange: Place chicken breasts in dish. Spread pesto evenly over each piece.
- Top: Add mozzarella slices over chicken. Scatter cherry tomatoes around.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C) and cheese is golden.
- Serve: Spoon roasted tomatoes and juices over chicken. Enjoy hot with bread, rice, or salad.
Tips 🌟
- Extra flavor: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan before baking.
- Variation: Try sun-dried tomato pesto for a twist.
- Serving idea: Pair with garlic bread or roasted vegetables.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Caption & Engagement
Caption: “Baked Pesto Chicken—juicy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor 🍗🌿🧀🍅✨”
- Comment prompt: “Would you serve it with pasta or bread?”
- Rotating closers: “Save for your next weeknight dinner.” • “Tag a friend who loves pesto.” • “Simple steps, bold flavor.”