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Chicken breast coated with fresh garden pesto and topped with savory cheeses on a plate served with sliced tomatoes.
Brianna Hughes

Pesto Caprese Chicken Bake

Tender, juicy chicken breasts are baked with homemade basil walnut pesto, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese for an easy Italian-inspired dinner the whole family will love. This flavorful pesto chicken recipe comes together in about 35 minutes and is a simple way to use fresh garden basil.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 4 Chicken breasts
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 510
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup homemade basil walnut pesto about 2 tbsp per chicken breast
  • 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
  • Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Pound the chicken breasts to an even ½- to ¾-inch thickness.
  3. Pat dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the chicken reaches about 155°F.
  5. Spread 1–2 tablespoons of homemade basil walnut pesto over each chicken breast.
  6. Top with shredded mozzarella (or fresh mozzarella slices) and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
  7. Return to the oven for 5–8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken reaches 165°F.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil and serve with sliced tomatoes. Drizzle with a little lemon juice if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Notes:
  • For the juiciest chicken, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before baking. This helps them cook evenly and prevents thinner areas from drying out.
  • Homemade basil walnut pesto works beautifully in this recipe, but store-bought pesto can also be used in a pinch.
  • Add the pesto and cheese near the end of cooking to preserve the fresh basil flavor and prevent the pesto from becoming overly oily.
  • For a bright finish, serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh basil.
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