Sure! Here’s a detailed and mouthwatering recipe for Baked Pesto Chicken that will surely tantalize your taste buds:
Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
Description: Indulge in the delightful flavors of tender chicken breasts smothered in aromatic basil pesto, topped with juicy plum tomatoes and gooey mozzarella cheese. This Baked Pesto Chicken recipe is a savory sensation that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat!
Recipe Category: Chicken
Keywords: Poultry, Meat, Very Low Carbs, High Protein, Healthy, High In…, < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 2-3 plum tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 197.5
- Fat Content: 6.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 86.6mg
- Sodium Content: 231.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 4.6g
- Fiber Content: 3.4g
- Sugar Content: 0.3g
- Protein Content: 30.2g
Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Ensure your oven is well preheated for optimal cooking results.
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Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty foil. This will make cleanup a breeze and prevent any sticking.
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In a medium bowl, combine the chicken and basil pesto. Toss the chicken until it’s evenly coated with the flavorful pesto.
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Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer, ensuring they’re not touching each other.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, so it’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (75 degrees C).
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Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Carefully top each chicken breast with slices of plum tomatoes and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
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Return the baking sheet to the oven. Bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tomatoes are slightly softened.
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Serve hot and enjoy! Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips:
- For a burst of freshness, you can sprinkle some freshly chopped basil over the finished dish just before serving.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought basil pesto for convenience. However, homemade pesto will take the flavor to the next level!
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping out the mozzarella cheese for another type of cheese, such as Parmesan or goat cheese.
Now, gather your ingredients and get ready to savor every bite of this irresistible Baked Pesto Chicken! Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and wholesome goodness. Enjoy! 🍗🌿🍅🧀
