Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

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There’s something irresistibly comforting about juicy chicken breasts baked under a blanket of bubbling mozzarella, fragrant basil pesto, and a vibrant layer of marinara sauce. This Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken brings together the richness of Italian-inspired flavors in a weeknight-friendly dish that feels like a weekend indulgence.

Perfect for busy evenings or small dinner parties, this dish only looks fancy. In reality, it takes minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. The trio of melty cheese, herby pesto, and bold tomato sauce creates a beautifully balanced bite every time. Pair it with a side of pasta, crusty bread, or roasted veggies for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

• Quick to prep: Only 10 minutes of hands-on time before it goes in the oven.
• Big flavor payoff: Each ingredient shines—from the savory pesto to the gooey cheese.
• Crowd-pleasing: Family-approved and elegant enough to serve guests.
• Low-carb friendly: Serve with zoodles or a simple salad for a lighter option.
• Customizable: Add cherry tomatoes, spinach, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a twist.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating this flavorful chicken dish is easier when you have the right tools ready:

• Baking Dish: A ceramic or glass 9×13″ dish works best to evenly cook and hold all the bubbling goodness in.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for trimming the chicken breasts and slicing any optional additions.
• Meat Mallet: For even cooking, gently pound the chicken breasts to uniform thickness.
• Spatula or Spoon: For spreading pesto and marinara sauce smoothly and evenly.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps prevent over-browning and keeps everything moist during baking.

By having your kitchen tools prepped, your workflow becomes seamless—making this delicious baked meal even more enjoyable to create.

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Ingredients for the Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish—tender, juicy, and lean.
• Basil pesto: Adds bold, herby richness and depth of flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the chicken, offering a creamy, stretchy texture.
• Marinara sauce: Brings acidity and brightness to balance the richness.
• Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
• Olive oil: Lightly coats the dish and helps with browning.
• Fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh, colorful garnish.

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How To Make the Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil.

Step 2: Season and Arrange the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Season both sides with salt and pepper. If needed, use a meat mallet to ensure even thickness for consistent cooking.

Step 3: Spread the Marinara

Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast, making sure each one gets a good coating.

Step 4: Add the Pesto Layer

Top the marinara with a generous spoonful of pesto. Spread it gently to cover the surface of the chicken.

Step 5: Add the Mozzarella

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top of each piece. Be generous—this is where the gooey magic happens.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden, and the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

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Serving and Storing Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

This dish is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. Pair it with a fresh green salad, a side of garlic butter pasta, or roasted vegetables. It also makes a delicious sandwich filling when sliced and layered into crusty ciabatta.

For storing, allow the chicken to cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well—wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe and may even be juicier. Adjust the baking time slightly depending on thickness.

Do I need to cook the chicken before baking?

No pre-cooking required. The chicken cooks fully in the oven under the sauce and cheese.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

What can I serve this with?

Pasta, zucchini noodles, couscous, or a crisp green salad all pair beautifully.

Is there a dairy-free option?

You can use dairy-free cheese shreds and skip the mozzarella, though it will alter the creamy texture.

Can I make it spicier?

Definitely! Add red pepper flakes to the marinara or stir some chili oil into the pesto.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken, you might enjoy exploring these flavorful dishes next:

• Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce for a creamy, earthy flavor combo.
• Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese for cozy comfort with a kick.
• Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps if you love handheld, melty delights.
• Tzatziki Chicken Veggie Naan Pizza for a Mediterranean-style twist.
• Chicken Street Tacos when you crave something zesty and fresh.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you switch up the cheese? Add veggies? I love hearing how others personalize these dishes. Questions? Drop them below—I’m always here to help make your dinner a success.

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