Description
Juicy chicken breasts baked with basil pesto, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella for a comforting Mediterranean-inspired meal bursting with fresh flavor.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt to taste
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup basil pesto
2 tomatoes, sliced
8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (Tillamook Fresh Mozzarella or Organic Valley Mozzarella)
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Lightly drizzle a medium casserole dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Place chicken breasts in the dish and sprinkle each with salt.
4. Top each chicken breast with minced garlic and spread basil pesto evenly over the surface.
5. Layer tomato slices on top of the pesto-covered chicken.
6. Add thick slices of fresh mozzarella cheese over each tomato layer.
7. Bake uncovered for 20–30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, until the chicken reaches 165°F and the cheese is melted and golden.
8. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
9. Garnish with fresh basil and drizzle with the juices from the bottom of the baking dish before serving.
10. Serve with pasta, rice, or a side salad.
Notes
For even cooking, make sure chicken breasts are of uniform thickness. Lightly pound them if needed.
Cover loosely with foil during the first 15 minutes of baking to retain moisture, then uncover to brown the cheese.
Use high-quality mozzarella such as Tillamook Fresh Mozzarella or Organic Valley Mozzarella for a creamy melt.
For a deeper flavor, mix a spoonful of chicken broth or tomato puree into the pesto before baking.
This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or bread like Sara Lee Artesano Bakery Bread or Arnold Country White Bread.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean