Basil Pesto Tomato Mozzarella Chicken Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Basil Pesto Tomato Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a flavorful, oven-baked dish that brings together juicy chicken breasts, fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil pesto. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a simple yet elegant meal. It’s low-carb, gluten-free, and packs big Italian-inspired flavors with minimal effort.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken breastsbasil pestofresh tomatoes (sliced)fresh mozzarella (sliced or shredded)olive oilsaltblack peppergarlic powderItalian seasoningfresh basil (optional for garnish)

directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Spread a generous spoonful of basil pesto over each chicken breast.

Layer tomato slices on top of the pesto-covered chicken.

Top each piece with sliced or shredded mozzarella.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 25-30 minutesTotal time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Use sun-dried tomato pesto for a deeper, richer flavor.

Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan before baking for extra cheesiness.

Top with spinach or arugula after baking for a fresh green bite.

Substitute boneless chicken thighs for a juicier result.

Serve over pasta, zucchini noodles, or a bed of rice.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals for quick serving.Freeze baked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly for this recipe and saves time.

Can I use cherry tomatoes?

Yes, sliced cherry or grape tomatoes can be used for a burst of sweetness.

What kind of mozzarella is best?

Fresh mozzarella slices melt beautifully, but shredded mozzarella is a great alternative.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish up to a day in advance and bake when ready.

How do I know the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Thaw them completely before baking for even cooking.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and great for keto or low-carb diets.

What sides go well with this?

Serve with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a light green salad.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and skip the pesto if it contains Parmesan.

Is this spicy?

No, but you can add red pepper flakes to the pesto for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

Basil Pesto Tomato Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a deliciously easy meal that delivers bold flavors with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish comes together quickly and satisfies every time. Give it a try for a healthy, cheesy, and satisfying dinner you’ll want to make again and again.

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