Cheesy Pesto Chicken Bake (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
Non-stick cooking spray
02 -
4 large chicken breasts
03 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
04 -
1 teaspoon salt
05 -
½ teaspoon black pepper
06 -
1 teaspoon paprika
07 -
½ teaspoon garlic powder
08 -
½ cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
09 -
8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
10 -
10 oz cherry tomatoes
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Grab a large 11 x 8-inch baking dish and give it a good spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
02 -
Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Turn the chicken to make sure it's evenly coated with the seasonings.
03 -
Spread the pesto sauce over each chicken breast, using a silicone spatula to distribute it evenly. Flip the chicken once or twice with tongs to coat all sides. Top each piece with slices of fresh mozzarella and scatter cherry tomatoes around the dish.
04 -
Cover the baking dish with foil, creating a tent so it doesn't touch the cheese. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for another 5-15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
# Notes:
01 -
You can use homemade or store-bought pesto for this recipe.
02 -
The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.