In a bit of a chicken rut? Well then, you must try my Cheesy Pesto Chicken Bake, it’s a great summer chicken recipe, especially if you are cooking for two! It’s fresh and easy with just the right amount of cheesy decadence.
For a step-by-step demo of this recipe watch my video below
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Hot and bubbling from the oven, you can top with some freshly chopped basil to add a fresh taste of summer.
I love to serve these in individual portions, in oven-safe gratin dishes it adds a touch of elegance to the dish and makes it feel extra special.
It also keeps all the juices intact and prevents this meal from getting too messy! Place the gratin dish on a wooden charger to prevent guests from burning themselves or from marking your table.
This recipe works great with store-bought pesto sauce, but if you would like to make your own my Homemade Pesto recipe comes together quickly and easily! Especially if you have a lot of basil growing in the garden.
MORE GREAT SUMMER RECIPES!
- Zucchini Gratin with Homemade Breadcrumbs
- Angel Hair Pasta with Roasted Tomato Sauce, Basil and Mozzarella
- Gnocchi Pesto with Summer Veggies
Cheesy Pesto Chicken Bake
In a bit of a chicken rut? Well then, you must try my Cheesy Pesto Chicken Bake, it's a great Sunday night dinner idea, especially if you are cooking for two! It's fresh and easy with just the right amount of cheesy decadence.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 tsp (5 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tsp (2.5ml) Italian Seasoning (or dried basil)
For Tomato Sauce:
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 3 small tomatoes, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) white wine, or lemon juice
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh basil, chopped
- 6 tbsp (90 ml) store-bought pesto
- 6 slices of fresh mozzarella (packed in water)
Instructions
- Mix together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic clove, salt and pepper and Italian Seasoning. Place chicken breasts in marinade for 10-15 mins while you prep the tomato sauce.
- For the tomato sauce, heat olive oil in a pan, add tomatoes and cook down, add garlic, salt and pepper and cook a bit more. Add wine (or lemon juice) cook until more liquid is evaporated and sauce is forming. Add fresh basil and stir and remove from heat and set aside.
- For chicken grill breasts on an indoor grill pan on each side until nice grill marks form 4-5 mins each side. Transfer to a place to rest.
- Prepare 2 heat safe dishes (I like to use individual gratin dishes for these) place 3 tbsp (45ml) of pesto in the bottom of each gratin dish. Place chicken breasts on top.. Layer 3 slices of fresh mozzarella on top of chicken. Bake at 400F (200C) for 10-15 mins or until chicken is cooked through.
- Reheat tomato sauce slightly if needed. Dollop sauce on top of melted cheese. Garnish with freshly cracked pepper and more basil and serve!
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 862Total Fat: 68gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 49gCholesterol: 101mgSodium: 935mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 38g
Can the chicken be browned the night before and then the rest of the dish be assembled the next day?
Oh sure you could do that too! 🙂 Hope you enjoy!
every thing is stunning…proud to follow you not just to learn but also to enjoy watching..many thanks
Awe thank you 🙂 So glad you enjoy the videos! 🙂
Love this and love your blog! Lots of good information Here!!