Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Bliss: A Cheesy, Flavorful Hug Straight from the Oven!
Make this Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken: juicy chicken, zesty pesto, and melty mozzarella with cherry tomatoes. Easy, delicious, and perfect for any meal!
Ingredients
Here’s everything I use, measured out with love:
- 4 large chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup basil pesto
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
I line it all up on my counter, and it’s like an Italian feast waiting to happen. This makes 4 hearty servings—perfect for sharing or savoring solo, depending on my mood. It’s my roadmap to cheesy bliss. I always double-check my stash before I start—it’s my ritual to stay chill. Nothing’s worse than missing pesto mid-prep, right? Keeps me in the groove and ready to cook.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Let’s get warm—preheat the oven to 425°F and spray a large casserole dish with cooking spray or oil (I love that slick prep!). Set aside—ready for action (my kitchen’s buzzing with bake vibes!). It’s the cozy start—pure baking magic!
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
Place 4 large chicken breasts in the dish—single layer (I love that juicy lineup!). Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil—sprinkle 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, and 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (my heart races for that spice!). Flip with tongs—coat both sides (my kitchen smells like Italy!). It’s the savory base—pure seasoned delight!
Step 3: Add the Pesto
Spread ½ cup basil pesto over both sides of the chicken—use a spoon or tongs (I grin at that green glow!). Make it even—zesty and bright (my kitchen’s a pesto haven!). It’s the flavor kick—pure pesto joy!
Step 4: Top with Cheese and Tomatoes
Layer 8 oz sliced fresh mozzarella over the chicken—scatter 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes on top (I feel like an artist!). Make it pretty—cheesy and sweet (my heart races for that melt!). It’s coming together—pure bake bliss!
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover with foil—bake 25 minutes (I love that steam hum!). It’s the tender step—pure juicy magic!
Step 6: Uncover and Finish
Uncover and bake 10-15 minutes ‘til mozzarella melts and chicken hits 165°F (that first bite’s pure joy, and you made it happen!). Pull from oven—serve hot (my table’s a feast!). Dig in—pure cheesy delight!