Description
A delicious and easy Pesto Chicken Bake featuring tender chicken breasts topped with garlic, fresh tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese, all baked to perfection for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken breast, cut into 4 cutlets
- Salt, to taste
Toppings and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 4 tablespoons pesto
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breast cutlets in a single, even layer in a baking dish. Lightly season each cutlet with salt for balanced flavor.
- Add Garlic and Pesto: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic evenly over each chicken cutlet, spreading it out carefully. Then, add 1 tablespoon of pesto on top of each cutlet and spread evenly to coat the surface.
- Layer Tomatoes and Cheese: Arrange 2-3 slices of fresh tomato on top of each chicken piece. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over each cutlet for a melty, flavorful finish.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165ºF and the juices run clear.
- Rest Before Serving: Once baked, cover the dish and let the chicken rest for approximately 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken tender.
Notes
- Make sure to evenly spread the pesto for consistent flavor across the chicken cutlets.
- Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best taste and texture.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
- Letting the chicken rest is important to maintain juiciness.
