Baked Pesto Caprese Chicken (Print View)

Tender chicken topped with pesto, tomatoes, and melted mozzarella, baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect for weeknight dinners.

# What You'll Need:

→ Poultry

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

→ Dairy

02 - 7 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
03 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

→ Vegetables

04 - 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
05 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

→ Sauces & Condiments

06 - 4 tbsp pesto (store-bought or homemade)

→ Seasonings

07 - 1 tbsp olive oil
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Method:

01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grease a baking dish with a little olive oil.
02 - Place chicken breasts in the dish. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
03 - Spread a generous tablespoon of pesto over each chicken breast.
04 - Arrange tomato slices evenly over the pesto-layered chicken.
05 - Top each breast with mozzarella slices. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan if desired.
06 - Drizzle olive oil over everything.
07 - Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
08 - Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately.

# Insider Tips:

01 -
  • The pesto keeps the chicken incredibly moist while infusing every bite with fresh herb flavor
  • It comes together in under 10 minutes of prep but tastes like something from a nice restaurant
  • The combination of hot melted mozzarella and sweet roasted tomatoes is pure comfort food magic
02 -
  • Dry chicken breasts happen when you overcook them, so invest in a meat thermometer and pull them at 74°C (165°F)
  • Thick chicken breasts will take longer than thin ones, so pound them to even thickness before starting
  • The tomatoes release water as they roast, so don't worry if you see some liquid in the pan, it's all flavor
03 -
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking so the juices redistribute instead of running out onto the cutting board
  • If your mozzarella seems very wet, pat it dry with paper towels before slicing to prevent a watery final dish
  • A sprinkle of red pepper flakes over the pesto layer adds a gentle warmth that balances the creamy cheese beautifully

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