This pesto chicken recipe is seared chicken breasts topped with pesto sauce and mozzarella cheese, then baked to golden brown perfection and served with fresh tomatoes. A quick and easy dinner option that's full of flavor.
1 1/4poundsboneless skinless chicken breastsapproximately 4 medium sized breasts
1tablespoonolive oil
salt and pepper to taste
1tablespoonbuttermelted
1teaspoonminced garlic
1/4cupchicken broth
1/2cupbasil pesto
1teaspoonlemon juice
1/2cupmozzarella cheeseshredded
1tablespoonchopped fresh parsleycan also use fresh basil
1cupcherry tomatoeshalved
cooking spray
fresh basil or parsley sprigs for garnishoptional
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side or until browned.
Transfer the chicken to a baking dish coated with cooking spray.
In a small bowl, mix together the butter, garlic, chicken broth, pesto and lemon juice. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
Bake for 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Bake time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. The chicken is done when it reads at least 165 degrees F on a meat thermometer.
Sprinkle the cheese over the chicken. Set the oven to broil and cook for 3-4 minutes or until cheese is melted and browned.
Sprinkle with parsley and arrange the tomatoes in the dish. Serve, garnished with basil or parsley if desired.