Overview

Pesto Mozzarella Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that features tender chicken breasts topped with fresh pesto and melted mozzarella cheese. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and is packed with flavor!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making the Pesto Mozzarella Chicken takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat Olive Oil: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

1. Sear Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.

Step 4: Add Pesto and Cheese

1. Spread Pesto: Remove the skillet from heat and spread the pesto evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
2. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese (and Parmesan cheese, if using) over the pesto-covered chicken.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Pesto Mozzarella Chicken (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320
Protein	35g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	3g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	1g

Tips for Customization

• Pasta Pairing: Serve the chicken over cooked pasta or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or goat cheese, for varied flavors.
• Add Vegetables: Top the chicken with sliced tomatoes or spinach before baking for added nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion

Pesto Mozzarella Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the freshness of pesto with the creaminess of mozzarella. It’s quick to prepare and makes for a perfect weeknight dinner. Enjoy this delightful recipe!