Description
This Pesto Chicken Bake is a simple and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken cutlets topped with garlic, fresh pesto, juicy tomato slices, and melted mozzarella cheese, baked to perfection. Ideal for an easy weeknight dinner, it combines Italian-inspired flavors with a straightforward baking method that ensures juicy, cheesy chicken every time.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken breast cut into 4 cutlets
Seasonings and Toppings
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 4 tablespoons pesto
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breast cutlets evenly in a baking dish. Lightly season each one with salt. Spread approximately 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic on each cutlet, followed by 1 tablespoon of pesto, distributing it evenly on top. Then place 2 to 3 slices of tomato on each cutlet, and finish by sprinkling about 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over each piece.
- Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the oven and cook for 22 to 25 minutes. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165ºF (74ºC) and the juices run clear.
- Rest the Chicken: After baking, cover the dish loosely and allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices and makes the chicken tender and flavorful before serving.
Notes
- Make sure chicken cutlets are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- You can substitute mozzarella with a different melting cheese like provolone or fontina if desired.
- For added flavor, consider adding fresh basil leaves on top before baking.
- Use store-bought or homemade pesto according to preference.
- Ensure tomatoes are fresh and firm for best results.
