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Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken

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Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy pesto sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese, topped with fresh cherry tomatoes and basil. It’s a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

3–4 chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)

8 ounces softened cream cheese

1/3 cup store-bought basil pesto

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

**Garnish**

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)

4–6 basil leaves (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, basil pesto, and shredded mozzarella cheese until well combined.
  4. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and spread the creamy pesto mixture evenly over the top of each breast.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Once baked, remove from the oven and top with halved cherry tomatoes and chopped fresh basil leaves.
  7. Serve immediately, and enjoy the delicious, cheesy, pesto-flavored chicken!

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until the chicken is warmed through and the cheese is bubbly.

For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat mozzarella cheese.

For added flavor, you can grill the chicken instead of baking it.

If you prefer a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes in the pesto mixture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://familydinnercooking.com/cheesy-pesto-baked-chicken/