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Baked Pesto Caprese Chicken


  • Author: emma
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

A comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with creamy mozzarella, fresh basil pesto, and juicy tomatoes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680 g)
  • 1 cup fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  4. Remove the skillet from heat and spread basil pesto over each chicken breast.
  5. Layer slices of mozzarella cheese on top of the pesto-covered chicken, followed by tomato slices.
  6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
  7. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the chicken after baking.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.

Notes

For a twist, experiment with different types of tomatoes or add red pepper flakes for some heat.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: chicken, pesto, mozzarella, caprese, Italian, family dinner, comfort food