Baked pesto chicken is a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful pesto, and melted mozzarella cheese creates a satisfying and comforting dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh mozzarella, shredded
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Spread pesto: Spread a layer of pesto on each chicken breast.
- Top with cheese: Top the chicken breasts with grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Bake: Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with pine nuts.
Tips for the Perfect Baked Pesto Chicken:
- Use fresh pesto: For the best flavor, use homemade or store-bought fresh pesto.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Cook the chicken until it is just cooked through.
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze: For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle the chicken with balsamic glaze before serving.
- Serve with a side salad: Baked pesto chicken is delicious served with a side salad.
Baked pesto chicken is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It is a relatively simple dish to prepare, and it can be customized to your taste preferences.