Name: Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 large chicken breasts; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; ½ cup basil pesto; 8 oz fresh mozzarella (sliced); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted a dinner that sings with bold flavors and feels effortless, Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken will instantly become your go-to. Each juicy chicken breast is blanketed in vibrant basil pesto and rich, melty mozzarella, then roasted with juicy cherry tomatoes for bursts of sweetness in every bite. It’s a stunning blend of Italian-inspired comfort, cheesy decadence, and weeknight simplicity. This is the kind of meal that will convince you a restaurant-worthy dish can come straight from your own oven—and trust me, your tastebuds will never forget it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken is that every ingredient is there for a reason, building flavor and mouthwatering texture without any fuss. Simple pantry staples transform into an elegant, crowd-pleasing dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken Breasts: The hearty centerpiece, boneless and skinless for juicy results and easy slicing.
Olive Oil: Adds moisture, helps seasonings stick, and brings out the natural flavors of the chicken.
Salt: Enhances every ingredient, ensuring your flavors pop.
Black Pepper: Lends gentle heat and depth to balance the richness.
Paprika: Infuses a touch of warmth and beautiful color to the golden roasted chicken.
Garlic Powder: Delivers savory notes throughout, marrying perfectly with the pesto.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of classic herbs that brings an unmistakable Italian vibe with no effort.
Basil Pesto: This is your flavor powerhouse—fresh, herby, and nutty in all the best ways.
Fresh Mozzarella: Melts irresistibly, blanketing the chicken in gooey, creamy goodness.
Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they roast into little pops of brightness on every plate.

How to Make Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

To set yourself up for quick assembly, preheat your oven to 425°F and grab a large casserole dish. Give it a good spritz with cooking spray or brush with olive oil—this not only prevents any sticking, but also helps everything roast beautifully.

Step 2: Arrange the Chicken and Drizzle

Lay your chicken breasts in a single layer across the baking dish, so each one cooks evenly. Drizzle them with olive oil, ensuring a subtle richness and helping those flavors get right into the meat.

Step 3: Season Generously

Time to pile on the flavor! Sprinkle salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning over the chicken breasts. Use your hands or tongs to flip the pieces and make sure every surface is covered—seasoning both sides means flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Smother with Pesto

Take your basil pesto and spread a generous amount over both sides of each chicken breast. Use the back of a spoon to smooth it around, and use tongs for flipping to avoid messy fingers. This is where Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken builds its herby punch and rich aroma.

Step 5: Top with Mozzarella and Cherry Tomatoes

Blanket the pesto-coated chicken with thick slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, then scatter the halved cherry tomatoes over the top. As it bakes, the cheese melts and browns while the tomatoes soften, adding sweetness and color to your dish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes—this keeps the chicken moist as the flavors meld. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes more. The mozzarella turns golden and gooey, while your kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma. Always check that your Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken is cooked through with a quick slice or a thermometer.

How to Serve Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh torn basil for a finishing touch of color and fragrance, or try a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory punch. A little cracked black pepper or a drizzle of balsamic glaze makes the flavors sing even more.

Side Dishes

Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken is wonderful with a heap of garlicky roasted potatoes, a tangle of angel hair pasta, or a crisp green salad loaded with cucumbers and olives. Tender orzo, fluffy rice, or even sautéed zucchini all soak up those pesto juices perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For date night or dinner parties, arrange each chicken breast atop a swirl of pesto pasta with extra cherry tomatoes. Or, slice and serve on a crusty ciabatta roll with arugula for a deluxe Italian-inspired sandwich. For a family-style meal, bring the casserole dish right to the table for everyone to help themselves—the colors alone are a showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken stays moist and delicious for up to three days when kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the extra pesto juices to drizzle over tomorrow’s lunch!

Freezing

This dish is freezer-friendly, making it perfect for future cozy dinners. Simply wrap servings individually or store in a covered, freezer-safe dish for up to three months. When ready to use, let them thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat your Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken, place it in a baking dish and cover loosely with foil. Heat at 350°F until warmed through—about 20 minutes. For a quick option, you can also microwave on medium power in short bursts, but the oven keeps the cheese gooey and the chicken juicy.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely! Store-bought basil pesto works perfectly and keeps things ultra-easy. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade pesto always shines, but high-quality jarred pesto still brings wonderful fresh flavor.

What type of mozzarella is best?

Fresh mozzarella gives the most decadent, creamy melt for Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken. If you only have low-moisture mozzarella, just slice it thickly and layer it well—it still delivers lots of cheesy delight.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the breast—it should read 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the center and check that the juices run clear and there’s no pink.

Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They’ll be extra-juicy, just adjust your baking time as needed—they may cook a bit faster than breasts.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken is naturally gluten-free, just double-check your pesto or any store-bought seasonings for hidden gluten if you have dietary sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

Dive into your own delicious Italian-style dinner adventure with Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken—it’s the kind of meal that feels special but is secretly so easy to pull off. With that dreamy combination of pesto and melted cheese, you’ll want to make it part of your regular rotation. Give it a try tonight, and prepare for compliments around the table!

Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 4 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned, coated in basil pesto, topped with fresh mozzarella and cherry tomatoes, then baked to perfection.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425F and spray a large casserole dish with cooking spray or cover with any other oil.
Prepare the chicken: Place chicken on the baking dish in a single layer and drizzle with olive oil. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Add pesto and toppings: Cover both sides of the chicken breasts with basil pesto. Top with mozzarella slices and halved cherry tomatoes.
Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the oven covered for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the mozzarella melts and the chicken is fully cooked throughout.

Notes

Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
You can garnish with fresh basil before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian