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Juicy boneless chicken breasts seared and baked with basil pesto and fresh mozzarella cheese for a simple and flavorful one-pan dinner.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Sear chicken breasts 3 6 minutes per side until golden brown.
  5. Spread pesto evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
  6. Top each pesto-covered chicken breast with slices of fresh mozzarella.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven 15 20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Let chicken rest a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad to complement the dish., Optional flavor twists include adding sliced tomatoes for a Caprese style, stuffing chicken breasts with pesto and mozzarella, adding red pepper flakes or sliced jalapef1os for spiciness, or tossing in cherry tomatoes and bell peppers., Use fresh basil and good-quality mozzarella for best flavor., May substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese if desired., Ensure pesto is gluten-free for gluten-sensitive diets., Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days or frozen up to 3 months., Thaw frozen chicken breasts before cooking for even cooking., Chicken thighs can be used as an alternative to breasts.

  • Author: Ashley
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
  • Calories: Approximately 380 calories per serving
  • Fat: About 22 grams per serving (from olive oil, pesto, and mozzarella)
  • Carbohydrates: Approximately 4 grams per serving (mainly from pesto and seasonings)
  • Protein: About 45 grams per serving