Basil Pesto Chicken Bake

This basil pesto chicken bake combines juicy chicken breasts with vibrant pesto, fresh tomatoes, and melty mozzarella for a restaurant-quality dinner with minimal effort. The flavors meld beautifully in the oven, creating a mouthwatering dish that's both low-carb and gluten-free while still delivering incredible Mediterranean-inspired taste.

I first made this on a busy weeknight when I needed something impressive without much effort. The combination of colors and fresh ingredients made it feel like a special occasion meal despite how simple it was to prepare. Now it's in our regular rotation whenever basil is abundant in my garden.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: choose pieces that are similar in size for even cooking
• Fresh garlic cloves: adds aromatic depth that dried garlic powder simply cannot match
• Basil pesto: provides rich flavor without requiring multiple ingredients look for fresh refrigerated pesto when possible
• Fresh tomatoes: select ripe but firm tomatoes that will hold their shape during baking
• Fresh mozzarella cheese: the creamy richness elevates this dish beyond ordinary chicken bakes
• Fresh basil: brightens the finished dish with color and aroma use only at the end to preserve flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Heat your oven to 400°F ensuring it reaches full temperature before adding the chicken. A properly preheated oven is crucial for maintaining juicy chicken while still developing beautiful browning on the cheese.

Arrange the Chicken:

Place your chicken breasts in a medium casserole dish ensuring they fit comfortably without overlapping. This gives each piece room to cook evenly and allows the toppings to stay in place rather than sliding off.

Season and Add Garlic:

Sprinkle salt evenly over the chicken breasts then distribute the minced garlic across all pieces. The salt helps season the meat throughout while the garlic infuses into both the chicken and the juices that will form.

Apply the Pesto:

Spread basil pesto generously over each chicken breast ensuring complete coverage. The pesto acts as both a flavor component and helps keep the chicken moist during baking.

Layer Tomatoes:

Place tomato slices carefully on top of the pesto creating a colorful layer that will release juices during baking to create an amazing sauce.

Add Mozzarella:

Top with thick slices of fresh mozzarella covering as much of the chicken as possible. The cheese will melt beautifully becoming golden while protecting the chicken from drying out.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake for 20 to 30 minutes depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Look for an internal temperature of 165°F and beautifully melted golden cheese on top.

Garnish and Serve:

Top each chicken breast with fresh chopped basil and an additional slice of tomato if desired. Pour the flavorful pan juices over pasta or rice for a complete meal.

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My favorite part of this dish is how the fresh mozzarella creates pockets of creaminess throughout while the pesto infuses the chicken with herbaceous flavor. When my Italian grandmother first tasted it she immediately asked for the recipe which is the highest compliment any cook can receive in our family.

Make-Ahead Options

This chicken bake is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking just cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to cook simply add 5 minutes to the baking time since youre starting with cold ingredients. The flavors actually develop nicely during this rest time making it even more delicious.

Ingredient Substitutions

If youre out of fresh mozzarella shredded mozzarella works well though the texture will be slightly different. Sun-dried tomatoes can replace fresh tomatoes during winter months offering concentrated flavor. For a dairy-free version use a cashew-based cheese alternative and dairy-free pesto though the melting quality will differ slightly.

Serving Suggestions

While perfect on its own this chicken pairs beautifully with angel hair pasta tossed in the pan juices. For a lower carb option serve alongside roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil provides a peppery contrast to the rich chicken. For special occasions a glass of crisp Pinot Grigio complements the Mediterranean flavors perfectly.

The Health Benefits

Beyond being delicious this dish offers impressive nutritional benefits. The chicken provides lean protein essential for muscle health while the tomatoes contribute lycopene a powerful antioxidant. Fresh basil contains vitamin K important for bone health and the olive oil in the pesto delivers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Even the fresh mozzarella offers calcium and protein with less sodium than many other cheeses.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is the best side dish for this chicken bake?

You can serve this dish with cooked pasta such as spaghetti or angel hair, rice, or a fresh salad for a light option.

→ Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought basil pesto works well. However, homemade pesto can elevate the flavors even further.

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays moist?

Properly layering the basil pesto, tomatoes, and mozzarella on top of the chicken helps retain moisture. Avoid overbaking by checking for doneness at 20 minutes.

→ What type of mozzarella should I use?

Fresh mozzarella slices are recommended for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor, but shredded mozzarella also works.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the ingredients in the pan and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Adjust baking time if starting from cold.

→ Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as long as the basil pesto is certified gluten-free.