Name: Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup pine nuts; 1 garlic clove; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Optional: cherry tomatoes for garnish

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If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken breasts smothered in vibrant, fragrant pesto sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella cheese that melts to perfection. The combination of fresh basil, savory cheese, and juicy chicken is a match made in kitchen heaven, offering a meal that’s both comforting and elegant enough for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe brings bold flavors and satisfying textures together in the most delicious way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four raw chicken fillets placed slightly overlapping on a white marbled surface, with fresh basil leaves nearby. On the left, a white bowl holds a pile of red cherry tomatoes. Above the chicken, there is a small white bowl filled with green pesto sauce, and next to it, a small silver container with golden olive oil. On the right side, a small silver colander is filled with shredded white cheese, and a white pepper grinder with the word

These ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet each plays a crucial role in creating the Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe’s irresistible flavor and texture. From the creamy mozzarella to the herby freshness of pesto, every element is essential for that perfect balance.

Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless for quick cooking and easy slicing.
Pesto sauce: Fresh or store-bought, it infuses the dish with vibrant basil flavor.
Mozzarella cheese: Use shredded or fresh slices for melty, creamy topping.
Olive oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and adds a subtle richness.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
Garlic powder: Provides a gentle kick without overpowering the pesto.
Cherry tomatoes (optional): Adds pops of color and a juicy burst of taste.

How to Make Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them generously with salt, pepper, and a light sprinkle of garlic powder. This simple seasoning helps to enhance the pesto’s herbal notes without competing with it.

Step 2: Add the Pesto

Spread a generous layer of pesto sauce directly onto each chicken breast. Be sure to cover the surface completely so every bite bursts with that fresh, garlicky basil flavor. This step really sets the tone for the entire dish, making it vibrant and aromatic.

Step 3: Top with Mozzarella

Next, pile on the shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese. The gooey, golden cheese melts over the pesto and chicken, creating a luscious, creamy topping that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the chicken breasts in a lightly oiled baking dish and bake in your preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and juicy, while the cheese becomes bubbly and starts to brown slightly. If you like, add cherry tomatoes around the chicken for an extra fresh touch and vibrant color.

How to Serve Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with four pieces of food covered in melted white cheese with golden brown spots on top. Beneath the cheese are layers of green sauce peeking through with a smooth texture. Around the edges and between the pieces are small, roasted cherry tomatoes with bright red color and a slightly wrinkled skin, some showing darker, charred spots. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves make the perfect garnish, enhancing the dish’s pesto flavor and adding a lovely pop of green. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving also brightens the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like garlic roasted potatoes, a crisp green salad, or buttery pasta tossed lightly with olive oil. Each side complements the rich and herbaceous chicken without overshadowing its star quality.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or alongside a colorful quinoa salad. You can also slice the baked chicken and present it tapas-style, perfect for sharing at a casual dinner party while keeping the great flavor front and center.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors of the pesto will deepen over time, making each reheated bite just as appetizing as when it was freshly baked.

Freezing

If you want to save the Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe for a later date, freeze the cooked chicken portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes well for up to 2 months, so you have a tasty, homemade meal ready whenever you need it.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through, preserving the melted mozzarella’s lovely texture. Avoid the microwave to keep the cheese from becoming rubbery and the chicken juicy.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works perfectly and saves time, though homemade pesto will add an even fresher, more vibrant flavor to the dish if you have it on hand.

What type of mozzarella is best for baking?

Fresh mozzarella slices or shredded low-moisture mozzarella both work well. Fresh mozzarella creates a creamier melt, while shredded mozzarella browns nicely and melts evenly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your pesto and other ingredients do not contain gluten additives. Always double-check labels to be sure.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make the dish even juicier and richer, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time.

What can I do to make the pesto sauce stretch further?

Try mixing the pesto with a little olive oil or cream cheese to create a more buttery, spreadable sauce that goes further without compromising flavor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe enough – it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that feels elegant but comes together with minimal fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this dish offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures that’ll soon become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and enjoy all the comforting, cheesy goodness piled high on tender chicken!