Chicken Pesto Bake
User Reviews
4.9
Chicken Pesto Bake
Description
Chicken Pesto Bake combines boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets with basil pesto spread before baking, contributing fresh herb flavor. The initial bake cooks the chicken thoroughly, preventing the toppings from overcooking. After the first bake, tomato slices and shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses are layered on top and returned briefly to the oven until the cheese melts and softens. The result is a dish with tender chicken cutlets and a bright, cheesy, pesto-tinged topping.
The use of thin tomato slices provides both moisture and a fresh contrast to the savory pesto and creamy cheeses, while the baking method marries the flavors nicely. Alternatively, this recipe can be grilled by cooking the chicken through first, then finishing with the pesto, tomatoes, and cheese over low heat until melted.
Serving this dish immediately after baking preserves the cheese's softness and the chicken's juiciness. It pairs well with simple sides like steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for balanced meal options.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breast boneless, skinless, 16 oz total
- kosher salt fresh, to taste
- black pepper fresh, to taste
- 4 teaspoons basil pesto skinny variety
- 1 tomato sliced thin, medium
- 6 tbsp mozzarella cheese shredded, 1.5 oz
- 2 teaspoons Parmesan Cheese grated
Instructions
- Wash chicken and dry with a paper towel. Slice chicken breast horizontally to create 4 thinner cutlets. Season lightly with salt and fresh pepper.
- Preheat the oven to 400° F. Line baking sheet with foil or parchment if desired for easy clean-up.
- Place the chicken on prepared baking sheet. Spread about 1 teaspoon of pesto over each piece of chicken.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center. Remove from oven; top with tomatoes, mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- To Grill: Grill chicken over medium flame on both sides until cooked through in the center. Lower flame, top chicken with pesto, tomatoes and cheese, and close grill until cheese melts.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 205 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1piece chicken | |
| Calories | 205kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 2.5g | 1% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 8.5g | 13% |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g | 13% |
| Cholesterol | 90.5mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 171.5mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 0.5g | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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