Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

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If you’re craving something comforting, fresh, and totally satisfying, this Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken is the recipe for you. Juicy chicken breasts are blanketed in vibrant basil pesto and melty mozzarella, then baked to golden perfection. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but delicious enough to impress guests at a dinner party.

The rich pesto seeps into the chicken as it bakes, infusing it with herby, garlicky flavor. Topped with gooey mozzarella and a hint of tomato, this dish turns humble ingredients into a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece. Pair it with pasta, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal that feels restaurant-worthy.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

This dish delivers bold flavor without the fuss. With just a handful of ingredients and one baking dish, clean-up is easy and prep is fast. It also keeps well, making it a great option for meal prepping or next-day lunches. If you’re a fan of Italian flavors and minimal effort, this is a dinner you’ll come back to again and again.

What Kind of Pesto Should I Use?

Homemade pesto is always a treat if you have fresh basil and pine nuts on hand, but store-bought pesto works wonderfully too. Look for one made with high-quality olive oil and real Parmesan for the best flavor. If you prefer something nut-free, there are great options made with seeds or no nuts at all. Feel free to try sun-dried tomato pesto for a twist.

Ingredients for the Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

To create this mouthwatering dish, you only need a few core ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the rich, comforting flavor that makes this meal a hit every time.

Chicken breasts bring the protein and juicy texture to the dish. Choose boneless, skinless breasts for easy slicing and even baking.

Basil pesto is the hero flavor here. It adds a vibrant green color, garlicky aroma, and nutty, herby richness to the chicken.

Mozzarella cheese melts over the chicken to create a bubbly, golden layer. Use shredded or sliced for the best melt.

Roma tomatoes offer a juicy, slightly acidic balance that brightens up the richness of the cheese and pesto.

Salt and pepper season the chicken just enough to enhance every flavor without overpowering.

Olive oil gives the chicken a golden finish and helps lock in moisture.

How To Make the Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Place the chicken breasts in the dish, pat them dry, and season with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Add the Pesto

Spread a generous layer of pesto over each chicken breast. Make sure it coats the top evenly to ensure full flavor coverage.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Cheese

Top the pesto-covered chicken with slices of fresh Roma tomato, then add shredded or sliced mozzarella on top.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy every flavorful bite.

How to Serve and Store This Baked Chicken Dish

This Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken feeds about 4 people generously. It pairs beautifully with pasta tossed in olive oil, creamy mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the juices. Leftovers? They keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat well in the oven or microwave. You can even slice the chicken and toss it into a salad or wrap for lunch the next day.

What to Serve With Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken?

Garlic Butter Pasta

Toss spaghetti or fettuccine in garlic butter for a simple but satisfying side.

Roasted Vegetables

Think zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus roasted with a touch of lemon.

Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine and creamy dressing balance the richness of the chicken.

Creamy Polenta

Smooth, cheesy polenta creates a lovely base for the saucy chicken.

Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil echo the dish’s flavors beautifully.

Garlic Bread

Perfect for mopping up all the cheesy, pesto goodness left on your plate.

Lemon Rice

A citrusy rice side dish cuts through the richness with brightness.

Green Beans Almondine

Crunchy green beans with toasted almonds for texture and contrast.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you enjoyed this comforting chicken recipe, you’ll love diving into more savory creations on the site:

• Try this creamy and hearty Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
• Enjoy an Italian twist with the Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce
• For an easy one-pan dinner, check out the One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
• Love comfort food? This Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta will hit the spot

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the cheese? Did you try sun-dried tomato pesto instead?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook better and eat happier.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners and quick bites on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next must-try meal!

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