Description
This creamy pesto baked chicken features tender boneless chicken breasts smothered in a rich, herbaceous mixture of pesto and softened cream cheese, then topped with melted mozzarella and baked until golden. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want an elegant dinner that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 1.5 pounds total, pounded to even thickness
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/3 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought
- 1 to 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, for a golden, bubbly topping
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings, fresh chopped tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, red pepper flakes, or garlic powder
Instructions
- Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound until they're about 0.5 inches thick, roughly 3 to 4 minutes total. This ensures even cooking and helps the creamy sauce coat every bite.
- Season the Breasts: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then sprinkle both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Let the seasoned chicken rest for a few minutes while you prepare the pesto cream mixture.
- Mix the Pesto Cream: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and basil pesto, stirring until smooth and well combined. A hand mixer can speed this up if the cream cheese is still slightly firm.
- Arrange the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Lay the pounded chicken breasts in a single layer, spacing them evenly so heat circulates around each piece.
- Spread the Pesto Cream: Divide the pesto cream mixture evenly among the chicken breasts, spreading it in a thick, generous layer across the top of each one. Don't be shy; this creamy mixture is where all the flavor lives.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pesto-covered chicken, creating an even blanket that will melt into golden, bubbly perfection.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the cheese is golden and bubbling at the edges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes