Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken: A Simple Classic with Gourmet Soul

Some recipes capture the heart of home cooking with their simplicity, while others elevate everyday ingredients into something elegant and deeply flavorful. Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken belongs to that rare category of dishes that do both.

Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a vibrant, herbaceous basil pesto, smothered in bubbling, golden mozzarella cheese, and baked until perfectly cooked and aromatic. It’s a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome, rustic and refined — and perhaps most importantly, it comes together with minimal fuss.

This dish is the kind of recipe you reach for when you want to impress dinner guests without breaking a sweat, or when you need something comforting and protein-rich on a busy weeknight. It’s the definition of low effort, high reward.

At its core, Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken is a celebration of fresh, bold Mediterranean flavors — creamy mozzarella, nutty Parmesan, fragrant basil, and tender chicken — but it also offers plenty of room for variation and personalization. Whether you make your own pesto from scratch or use a quality store-bought jar, this recipe allows flexibility without compromising taste.

In this comprehensive guide, we’re going far beyond the basic steps. We’ll explore everything from the history of pesto and its pairing with chicken, to how to properly select and prepare your ingredients for optimal flavor and texture. You’ll learn tips for keeping your chicken moist, ideas for healthy modifications, and even serving suggestions that turn this simple main course into a full, satisfying meal.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook looking to refine your version or a beginner eager to try your hand at a new family favorite, this is your ultimate guide to mastering Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken.

Let’s dive in.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

This recipe combines the clean flavors of Italian-style cooking with the ease of a baked, one-dish meal. It’s ideal for busy nights when you still want a dish that feels special — but it’s also elegant enough for date night or dinner parties.

Let’s walk through each step of the process, from selecting the right chicken to achieving a golden, bubbly cheese topping.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 oz each)

• ½ to ¾ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 to 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, part-skim or fresh slices)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, enhances the savory base)

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional, for added herb complexity)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh basil leaves, for topping

• Cherry tomatoes, halved and roasted or fresh

• Balsamic glaze or reduction (drizzled just before serving)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Baking dish or casserole dish (9×13″ is ideal)

• Cutting board and sharp knife

• Meat mallet or rolling pin (for even chicken thickness)

• Tongs or spatula

• Aluminum foil (optional, for juicier baking)

• Instant-read thermometer (recommended for perfect doneness)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If they’re especially thick or uneven, consider slicing them in half lengthwise or pounding them to a uniform thickness — about ½ to ¾ inch.

Why this matters:
Uniform thickness ensures even cooking. Thinner breasts also cook faster and stay juicier, while avoiding an overcooked exterior and undercooked interior.

Optional:
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and avoids excess moisture that can dilute the pesto.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl or directly in your baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, and optionally garlic powder and Italian seasoning.

Rub the seasonings into the chicken on all sides for even flavor distribution.

Tip: You don’t need a complex marinade — pesto will do the heavy lifting. However, light seasoning adds a foundational depth that brings out the pesto’s brightness even more.

Step 3: Layer the Pesto

Spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of pesto over each chicken breast, using the back of a spoon to coat the top evenly.

Don’t skimp on pesto — it’s the star of this dish. The oils will help the chicken stay moist, and the herbs and garlic will infuse the meat with vibrant flavor as it bakes.

Homemade vs. store-bought:

• If using store-bought pesto, opt for one that uses extra virgin olive oil and real cheese.

• For homemade, a classic basil pesto includes fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts (or walnuts), Parmesan, olive oil, and lemon juice.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Now for the magic: cheese.

Top each pesto-covered chicken breast with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella — about ¼ cup per breast, depending on size. Then sprinkle grated Parmesan on top of the mozzarella.

Cheese options:

• Mozzarella: Shredded low-moisture mozzarella melts beautifully and browns well. Fresh mozzarella offers a softer, creamier melt but releases more water.

• Parmesan: Adds salty, umami-rich sharpness and encourages browning on top.

Optional Tip: Add a few halved cherry tomatoes or a thin slice of fresh tomato under the cheese for extra moisture and color.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Place your prepared chicken in the center rack of the oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.

Internal temperature guide:
Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast — the chicken is done at 165°F (74°C).

What to watch for:

• Cheese should be melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

• Pesto may darken slightly — this is normal due to the oils and herbs being exposed to heat.

Step 6: Optional Broil for Golden Top

If you want that irresistible golden-brown cheese crust, turn your oven to broil for the final 2–3 minutes of cooking.

Keep a close eye — cheese can go from golden to burnt quickly under a broiler.

Tip for extra indulgence: Add a final sprinkle of Parmesan before broiling to enhance crispiness.

Step 7: Rest the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Why rest?
Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, preventing dryness and ensuring every bite is succulent.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, add fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or even a scattering of roasted cherry tomatoes on top for added color, sweetness, and acidity.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken is flavorful enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

• Simple Sides: Garlic bread, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli.

• Carb Pairings: Buttered pasta, lemon orzo, or garlic mashed potatoes.

• Healthy Options: Quinoa salad, sautéed spinach, or cauliflower rice.

• Italian-Inspired Meals: Serve over spaghetti tossed in olive oil, or alongside caprese salad for a fresh counterpoint.