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Close-up photorealistic shot of raw ingredients and seasonings for Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken.

Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

Tender chicken breasts nestled in vibrant marinara sauce, topped with rich basil pesto and bubbly, golden-brown mozzarella cheese. This easy, visually stunning one-pan dinner is packed with Italian flavors and ready in under 40 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts Approx. 1.5 lbs (680g), pounded to even thickness
  • 1 tbsp olive oil 15ml
  • 1 tsp kosher salt 5g
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper 1g
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder 2g
  • 1.5 cups marinara sauce 360ml
  • 0.5 cup basil pesto 120ml
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 112g, low-moisture part-skim
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley 8g, finely chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 White Rectangular Ceramic Baking Dish Essential for even baking and beautiful presentation.
  • 1 Large Skillet For searing the chicken before baking.
  • 1 Digital Meat Thermometer To ensure chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).

Instructions
 

Preparation and Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes per side until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Remove from heat.
  3. Pour the marinara sauce into the bottom of a white rectangular ceramic baking dish. Nest the seared chicken breasts into the sauce. Spread the basil pesto evenly over the top of each breast, then sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  4. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a digital meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F (74°C).
  5. Turn the oven to broil on high for 2 to 3 minutes until the mozzarella cheese is bubbly with golden-brown spots. Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Tip 1: Always pat your chicken dry before applying oil and seasonings to ensure a proper sear.
Tip 2: Use low-moisture shredded mozzarella to prevent the marinara sauce from becoming watery in the oven.
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