Description
A simple and flavorful 4 Ingredient Pesto Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts topped with vibrant basil pesto, fresh mozzarella, and beefsteak tomato slices, baked to perfection for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 450 g chicken breast, thinly sliced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 15 ml garlic powder
- 120 ml basil pesto
- 1 large beefsteak tomato, thinly sliced
- 230-280 g fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil, shredded (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven temperature to 190°C (374°F) to preheat while you prepare the chicken.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the thinly sliced chicken breast fillets evenly in a 23 cm x 33 cm baking dish. Season both sides thoroughly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the natural flavors.
- Apply Pesto: Spread the basil pesto evenly over each piece of chicken on both sides to ensure a rich, herbaceous flavor throughout the dish.
- Arrange Chicken: Lay the pesto-coated chicken breasts in a single layer side by side within the baking dish to allow even cooking.
- Add Toppings: Layer fresh mozzarella slices on top of each chicken breast, then add a layer of thinly sliced beefsteak tomato. Optionally, season with a little extra salt and pepper for a balanced taste.
- Garnish: Sprinkle shredded fresh basil over the assembled dish to add a fresh, aromatic finish before baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 75°C or 165°F) and the cheese has melted and is slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the pesto chicken warm, optionally garnished with extra fresh basil leaves for presentation.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are thinly sliced for faster and more even cooking.
- You can substitute beefsteak tomato with plum or Roma tomatoes if preferred.
- For a lighter option, use part-skim mozzarella instead of whole milk mozzarella.
- Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking.
- Fresh basil is optional but adds a wonderful fragrant touch to the dish.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad.
