Description
This Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken recipe is a weeknight dinner hero—juicy chicken breasts baked with basil pesto, marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella. It’s easy, low-carb, and packed with Italian flavors, perfect for busy families or guests. Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly too.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup marinara sauce
1/2 cup basil pesto
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
2. Place chicken breasts into the baking dish and season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast.
4. Spread pesto on top of the marinara layer using a spoon.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over each piece of chicken.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
8. Check chicken internal temperature (should reach 165°F).
9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Pound the chicken to even thickness for consistent cooking and juiciness.
Use fresh mozzarella for extra melty texture, or pre-shredded for convenience.
Make it ahead: assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg