Pesto Baked Chicken

Chicken topped with fresh basil pesto and cheese that’s baked until the chicken is cooked and the cheese is melted before topping with a fresh tomato topping!

I’m a big fan of easy and tasty meals and this pesto baked chicken is as easy as throwing the chicken into a baking pan, topping it with pesto and cheese and baking! I like to use a homemade basil pesto (link) that’s light, fresh and just packed with flavour! When the chicken is done baking it’s great served over a bed of pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, etc. along with a veggie and I like to top it with a fresh tomato, bruschetta style, mixture!

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4

Chicken topped with fresh basil pesto and cheese that’s baked until the chicken is cooked and the cheese is melted before topping with a fresh tomato topping!

ingredients

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup basil pesto (link)
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan cheese), grated
2 cups tomato bruschetta (see below)(optional)

directions

Place the chicken in a baking dish and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Spread the basil pesto over the chicken before sprinkling on the cheeses.
Bake in a preheated 350F/180C oven until the chicken is cooked through (165F), about 25-35 minutes, before sprinkling on the basil and enjoying!

Note: The bake time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts; if you use large chicken breasts, it may take longer; use a meat thermometer to make sure that the chicken reaches 165F. If the topping looks like it is getting too dark, cover with foil.
Option: Add 1/2 teaspoon onion powder along with the salt and pepper.
Option: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes along with the salt and pepper.
Option: Add 8 ounce cream cheese, room temperature; spread over the chicken before topping with the pesto.

Nutrition Facts: Calories 338, Fat 24g (Saturated 6.6g, Trans 0), Cholesterol 207mg, Sodium 1026mg, Carbs 3.3g (Fiber 1g, Sugars 1.3g), Protein 27g

Nutrition by:

Tomato Bruschetta

Prep Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Servings: 4

Fresh tomatoes mixed with garlic, onions, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and basil!

ingredients

2 cups tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced/grated
2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced
2 tablespoons basil, thinly sliced
salt and pepper to taste

directions

Mix everything well and optionally let it sit for an hour before enjoying!

Nutrition Facts: Calories 52, Fat 3g (Saturated 0.3g, Trans 0), Cholesterol 0, Sodium 5mg, Carbs 4g (Fiber 1g, Sugars 2g), Protein 0.8g

Nutrition by:

Pesto Baked Chicken

ingredients

directions

Tomato Bruschetta

ingredients

directions

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