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A flavorful Italian-inspired baked chicken dish featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with fresh basil pesto, melted mozzarella cheese, and sliced tomatoes, finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and fresh basil.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

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, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Sear chicken breasts 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  5. Remove skillet from heat and spread a generous layer of basil pesto on each chicken breast.
  6. Top each chicken breast with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese.
  7. Arrange tomato slices on top of the cheese.
  8. Place the skillet in the oven and bake 20–25 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted.
  9. Remove from oven and let chicken rest for a few minutes.
  10. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the chicken and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F to avoid dryness., Spread pesto evenly on chicken for consistent flavor., Cover skillet loosely with foil during last few minutes of baking if cheese needs better melting., Marinate chicken in pesto ahead of time for enhanced flavor., Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days., Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for best texture., Freeze wrapped chicken tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

  • Author: Ashley
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
  • Calories: 400
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Protein: 45g