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Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken Recipe

Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 15 reviews

This Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken is a delicious and simple recipe that combines juicy chicken breasts with flavorful pesto and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is both satisfying and packed with rich Italian-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 chicken breast pieces
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese and Sauce

  • 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup pesto sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance the natural flavors.
  2. Arrange the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a lightly greased baking dish, ensuring they have space around each piece for even cooking.
  3. Add pesto sauce: Spoon the pesto sauce evenly over the top of each chicken breast, spreading it gently to cover the surface.
  4. Top with cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto-covered chicken breasts, creating a cheesy layer that will melt beautifully.
  5. Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden and bubbly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • You can use store-bought pesto or make your own fresh pesto for a more vibrant flavor.
  • If the chicken breasts are very thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for more uniform cooking.
  • For an extra crispy topping, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  • Substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like provolone or fontina for different flavor profiles.
  • This recipe pairs well with a side of garlic bread or steamed green beans.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cheesy baked chicken, pesto chicken, mozzarella chicken, easy chicken dinner, Italian chicken recipe

Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/cheesy-pesto-baked-chicken-recipe/