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    Home » Recipes » Mains

    Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

    Published: Sep 29, 2019 · Modified: May 17, 2022 by Heather · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · 546 words. · About 3 minutes to read this article.

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    Pesto Mozzarella Chicken by The Toasty Kitchen
    Pesto Mozzarella Chicken by The Toasty Kitchen
    Pesto Mozzarella Chicken by The Toasty Kitchen

    Pesto mozzarella chicken is a quick and easy six ingredient dinner. Chicken breasts are coated in pesto, smothered in mozzarella cheese, and roasted in the oven in just twenty minutes.

    Chicken coated in basil pesto, mozzarella, surrounded by tomato sauce.

    If you're always on the hunt for quick and easy weeknight meals, you'll love my recipe for pesto mozzarella chicken. All you need are six ingredients and less than 30 minutes before dinner is on the table.

    Pesto mozzarella chicken is simple, yet filled with flavor. There are two pre-made ingredients you'll need for this recipe: basil pesto and marinara sauce.

    If you make your own pesto or marinara sauce at home, feel free to use them in this recipe. Or, pick out your favorites at your local grocery store.

    Ingredients and substitutions

    Ingredients for pesto mozzarella chicken.

    Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with an Italian five blend cheese or parmesan cheese.

    Homemade or store bought marinara sauce will work in this recipe. Try my easy recipe for homemade marinara sauce!

    I recommend using two large, boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half. Otherwise, pound your chicken breasts to about 1 inch thickness.

    This step is important, because it ensures your chicken will cook quickly and evenly in the oven.

    Adding ingredients for pesto mozzarella chicken to a pan.

    Ways to serve pesto chicken

    I like to serve pesto mozzarella chicken on top of my favorite cooked pasta - spaghetti, penne, and bow tie pasta all work well.

    Or, you can serve on top of rice, quinoa, or alongside your favorite roasted veggies.

    Try pairing with oven roasted brussels sprouts or parmesan roasted broccoli for a low calorie meal.

    A plate of spaghetti topped by chicken and tomato sauce.

    Make ahead and freezing

    This meal can be assembled in a freezer safe container and frozen for up to 3 months.

    Thaw your frozen meal overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed below until cooked through.

    📖 Recipe

    Chicken coated in basil pesto, mozzarella, surrounded by tomato sauce.
    Print Recipe
    4.80 from 10 reviews

    Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

    Pesto Mozzarella Chicken is a quick and easy six ingredient dinner. Chicken breasts are coated in pesto, smothered in mozzarella cheese, and roasted in the oven in just twenty minutes.
    Prep Time5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time20 minutes minutes
    Total Time25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 268kcal
    Author: Heather

    Ingredients

    • 16 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • 1 cup marinara sauce, *
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • 8 teaspoons basil pesto
    • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 3 quart baking dish (or 9x13 baking pan) and set aside. 
    • Pound chicken breasts to 1 inch thickness. If chicken breasts are very large, you can slice in half and use a single chicken breast for two servings. Set aside. 
    • Pour marinara sauce into bottom of pan. Lay chicken breasts on top. Season tops of chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, and pepper. 
    • Top each chicken breast with 2 teaspoons of pesto, spreading to coat. Top with mozzarella cheese. 
    • Cover and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
    • Optional (but highly recommended) - Uncover, turn on broiler, and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is lightly browned on top. Watch carefully, as food will brown quickly under the broiler. 

    Equipment Recommendations

    • Emile Henry 9x13 Stoneware Baking Dish
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Zwilling Pro Chef's Knife
    • Pyrex Liquid Measuring Cups

    Notes

    • This dish makes an excellent freezer meal. Prepare in a freezer safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze raw for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator the night before. Bake as directed above.
    • *If serving chicken with pasta, add more marinara sauce to pan as needed. 

    Nutrition Estimate

    Serving: 0g | Calories: 268kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 1012mg | Potassium: 644mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 690IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 171mg | Iron: 1mg
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American, Italian

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    1. Donna

      March 03, 2021 at 11:26 am

      Excellent. My whole family loved it!

      Reply
    2. Mindy Williams

      May 04, 2020 at 2:19 pm

      This was so simple and quick to throw together. We made pasta to go with it. My family loved it! Plates were clean! Making it again tonight 😋

      Reply
    3. Elliot Anderegg

      October 26, 2019 at 4:14 pm

      Thanks for this page. Enthusiastic about reading more of your content. I hope to give something back and guide others just like you helped me.

      Reply

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    Heather of The Toasty Kitchen

    Hi, I'm Heather of The Toasty Kitchen. I love cooking with real, unfussy ingredients, and I want to help you make homemade meals with ease.

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