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Baked Pesto Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 53 reviews
  • Author: Noah
  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Baked Pesto Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a creamy blend of basil pesto and cream cheese, topped with melted mozzarella and fresh cherry tomatoes. It’s a simple, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (3–4 breasts)

Cheese and Pesto Mixture

  • 8 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup prepared basil pesto
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 6 fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375˚F (190˚C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature for cooking chicken evenly.
  2. Prepare the Pesto Cream Cheese: In a bowl, thoroughly mix the softened cream cheese with the basil pesto until you have a smooth, uniform green mixture that will coat the chicken beautifully.
  3. Arrange the Chicken and Add Toppings: Lay the chicken breasts flat in a large baking dish. Spread the pesto-cream cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top to create a melty cheesy crust.
  4. Bake the Chicken: Bake the prepared chicken in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165˚F (74˚C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and freshly chopped basil leaves for a burst of freshness and color. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful baked pesto chicken!

Notes

  • You can use store-bought or homemade basil pesto.
  • Make sure the chicken is cooked through by checking for an internal temperature of 165˚F with a meat thermometer.
  • Cherry tomatoes add a fresh, slightly sweet contrast; you can substitute with sun-dried tomatoes if preferred.
  • For a lower-fat version, use part-skim mozzarella and reduced-fat cream cheese.
  • This dish pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: baked pesto chicken, creamy pesto chicken, mozzarella chicken, chicken breast recipe, easy Italian chicken, baked chicken with pesto

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Find it online: https://mealbynoah.com/baked-pesto-chicken-with-cherry-tomatoes-and-mozzarella-recipe/