Pesto Chicken Bake
A cheesy chicken casserole layered with basil pesto, juicy chicken breasts, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan, perfect for an easy and flavorful weeknight family dinner.
Equipment
- 1 oven preheat to 375°F
- 1 baking dish lightly greased
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
- 1 to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: cherry tomatoes sliced
- Optional: fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides and place them in the prepared dish.
- Spread basil pesto evenly over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pesto-coated chicken.
- Optionally, add cherry tomato halves around the chicken in the dish.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve warm with favorite sides.
Notes
- Swap pesto with sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor.
- Mix mozzarella with provolone cheese for richer taste.
- Add sliced peppers or zucchini for extra veggies.
- Serve with a crisp salad or garlic bread.