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To truly appreciate the flavors and textures of Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken, it's essential to understand the key ingredients that make this dish shine.

Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

Discover the delicious simplicity of Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken, a perfect dish for both quick weeknight meals and special occasions. This recipe features tender chicken breasts topped with vibrant basil pesto, sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella for a delightful flavor fusion that looks as good as it tastes. In under an hour, you can create a stunning meal that's healthy, easy to prepare, and sure to impress anyone at your table. Enjoy the art of home cooking with this flavorful dish!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup homemade or store-bought basil pesto

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.

    Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. This step enhances the flavor of the chicken.

      Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. This step adds a nice depth of flavor.

        Add Pesto and Garlic: Once seared, transfer the chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish. Spread a generous layer of pesto over each breast. Top with minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes.

          Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pesto and tomatoes on each chicken breast.

            Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

              Serve and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

                Enjoy: Serve hot with a side of your choice, such as roasted vegetables, pasta, or a crisp salad.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | 4 servings