Pesto Chicken Bake with Tomatoes and Mozzarella Recipe

I absolutely love this Pesto Chicken Bake with Tomatoes and Mozzarella Recipe because it’s like a little flavor party baked right into your dinner plate. It’s such an easy way to elevate simple chicken breasts with fresh pesto, juicy tomatoes, and melty mozzarella, all baked together to perfection. When you’re short on time but want something comforting and delicious, this recipe really comes through.

When I first tried this, I was amazed at how the pesto and tomatoes keep the chicken super juicy and flavorful without any extra fuss. You’ll find that it’s perfect for weeknight dinners but also fancy enough to serve when you’re entertaining friends. Every time I make it, my family goes crazy for how good it tastes and how little cleanup there is afterward! This Pesto Chicken Bake with Tomatoes and Mozzarella Recipe is definitely worth trying if you want a fuss-free, crowd-pleaser meal.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, yet together they pack a flavorful punch. Picking fresh, ripe tomatoes makes a big difference, and using quality pesto really amps up the taste.

• Chicken breast cutlets: Choose cutlets or butterfly your chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and quick bake time.
• Minced garlic: Adds a subtle, aromatic punch to the chicken without overpowering the other flavors.
• Pesto: Use store-bought or homemade—whatever your preference, it’s the star that ties the dish together.
• Tomatoes: Large, ripe tomatoes are best; slicing them thinly helps them cook evenly on top of the chicken.
• Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and adds that irresistible gooey texture.

Variations

I like to mix things up here and there depending on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for. Feel free to personalize this Pesto Chicken Bake with Tomatoes and Mozzarella Recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs—you’ll be surprised how many delicious spins you can create!

• Add some heat: I’ve tossed in a pinch of red pepper flakes on top before baking when I want a little kick.
• Use different cheese: Swapping mozzarella for fresh burrata or a bit of parmesan gives a lovely twist.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace the chicken with thick slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms for a meatless version.
• Seasonal greens: Add a handful of fresh spinach or arugula on top after baking to brighten up the dish.

How to Make Pesto Chicken Bake with Tomatoes and Mozzarella Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken Cutlets

Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF (that’s about 200ºC). Place your chicken cutlets into a baking dish in a single, even layer so they cook uniformly. I always lightly season the chicken with just a pinch of salt to boost the flavors without overpowering the pesto and tomato toppings.

Step 2: Layer Flavors with Garlic, Pesto, and Tomatoes

Next, sprinkle about half a teaspoon of minced garlic evenly over each cutlet — this adds a gentle garlic aroma that pairs beautifully with the pesto. Then spread about a tablespoon of pesto on top of each cutlet, making sure to cover the surface evenly for maximum flavor. Top each chicken piece with 2 to 3 slices of fresh tomato, which will bake down slightly and get juicy, perfectly balancing the pesto.

Step 3: Add Mozzarella and Bake

Finally, sprinkle around a quarter cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken cutlet, ensuring the cheese will melt and form a deliciously bubbly topping. Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 22 to 25 minutes. I usually check for doneness by making sure the chicken’s internal temperature hits 165ºF and the juices run clear—it’s a foolproof way to avoid dryness.

Step 4: Rest Before Serving

Once it’s done baking, cover the dish loosely and let the chicken rest about 5 minutes. This pause lets the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and moist when you dig in. Trust me, resting makes a big difference in the final texture!

How to Serve Pesto Chicken Bake with Tomatoes and Mozzarella Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle some fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley over the top right before serving — it adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes that brighten the dish beautifully. A drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice also lifts the flavors without stealing the spotlight.

Side Dishes

To keep things balanced, I often serve this chicken bake with a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted veggies like asparagus or zucchini. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are also fantastic to soak up any leftover pesto and cheese sauce dripping from the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve hosted dinner parties, I’ve served the pesto chicken bake family-style in the baking dish itself at the table, letting everyone help themselves for a casual feel. For a touch of elegance, plating individual cutlets over a bed of creamy polenta or risotto adds a special wow factor that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pesto chicken bake covered tightly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats nicely because the mozzarella keeps the chicken moist, but be sure not to overheat or it can dry out.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to prep ahead—just cool it completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently in the oven.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a 350ºF oven for about 15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to keep the chicken moist and cheese melty. You can finish uncovered for a couple minutes if you want the top a bit crispier.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pesto Chicken Bake with Tomatoes and Mozzarella Recipe truly holds a special place in my kitchen rotation. It combines simplicity with flavor in a way that feels both wholesome and special. I hope you’ll give it a try and find it as satisfying and easy as I do—it’s one of those recipes I always come back to when I want something comforting without a lot of fuss. Happy cooking!

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