Description
Delicious and flavorful pesto baked chicken with roasted cherry tomatoes, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a healthy and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pesto Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon pesto
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Tomatoes
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup finely sliced shallots
- 1/3 cup pesto
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine the pesto, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a freezer bag. Add the chicken breasts, press out the air, seal the bag, and massage the marinade into the chicken. Let it marinate for 30-60 minutes.
- Prep the Tomato Mixture: While the chicken is marinating, preheat the oven to 425° F. Halve some of the cherry tomatoes, leaving some whole if desired. Combine tomatoes with shallots, pesto, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and garlic in a bowl.
- Arrange in Skillet and Bake: Place the marinated chicken breasts in the center of a 12-inch oven-safe skillet. Scatter the tomato mixture evenly around the chicken. Bake in the oven for 24 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: During the last 3 minutes of baking, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and continue baking until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped basil, and serve warm.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for closer to 1 hour enhances flavor absorption.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked to 165° F.
- If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, transfer chicken and tomato mixture to a baking dish.
- Substitute mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version.
- Extra pesto can be served on the side for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
