Description
A flavorful and healthy Italian-inspired recipe featuring tender chicken breasts topped with vibrant basil pesto and juicy grape tomatoes, baked to perfection and garnished with fresh basil leaves. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Toppings
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken after searing.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a light golden crust. This locks in the juices and adds flavor.
- Add Pesto and Tomatoes: Remove the skillet from heat. Spoon the basil pesto evenly over each chicken breast. Then scatter the halved grape tomatoes around and on top of the chicken. If you like, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese for a melty topping.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving for a burst of freshness and color.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a refreshing side salad to complete the meal.
- For a juicier alternative, substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- For extra depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in some pesto for 30 minutes prior to cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
