🍃🧀 Basil Pesto Tomato Mozzarella Chicken Bake (30 Minutes!)
✨ Description:
This vibrant, cheesy, and herby chicken bake features juicy chicken breasts smothered in fresh basil pesto, layered with ripe tomatoes and creamy mozzarella. It bakes in one dish, making cleanup a breeze and dinner a delight.
🛒 Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Salt & freshly cracked pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
🔥 Directions:
- Preheat Oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry.
- Brush lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Add Pesto & Toppings:
- Place chicken breasts in a greased baking dish.
- Spread a generous spoonful of basil pesto on top of each.
- Layer with slices of tomato and then mozzarella.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F / 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Top with fresh basil leaves before serving.
- Serve hot with your favorite low-carb side or salad.
🍽️ Servings:
4 servings (1 chicken breast per person)
🔢 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):
- Calories: ~380
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 4–6g (net carbs depend on tomato and pesto content)
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: ~2g
- Sodium: ~450mg
These values may vary slightly based on your pesto and mozzarella brand.
💡 Tips & Notes:
- Homemade Pesto: Make your own using basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, and olive oil for next-level flavor.
- Add Veggies: Toss some spinach or zucchini ribbons in the pan before baking for extra fiber.
- Want a Crispier Top? Broil the last 2–3 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Make It Creamier: Add a thin layer of cream cheese or ricotta under the pesto for a rich base.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Bake ahead and store in the fridge for up to 4 days – reheats beautifully!
🌿 Benefits:
- High Protein – Helps with muscle building and satiety.
- Low in Carbs – Ideal for keto or low-carb diets.
- Gluten-Free – Naturally gluten-free and easy to digest.
- Antioxidant Rich – Thanks to tomatoes and fresh basil.
- Heart-Healthy Fats – From olive oil and pesto.
❓ Q&A Section:
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Thighs will be juicier and even more flavorful — just adjust cooking time slightly (about 5 minutes longer).
Q: What kind of pesto is best?
A: Traditional basil pesto is perfect, but sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula walnut pesto are amazing variations!
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes! Freeze after baking for best results. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm through.
Q: What pairs well with this dish?
A: Try cauliflower mash, sautéed green beans, or a crisp arugula salad.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Sure! Skip the cheese or use dairy-free mozzarella alternatives.
Let me know if you want a one-pan version with veggies, a printable format, or a homemade pesto recipe to go with it! 🌿🍅🧀