Imagine a dish that combines the vibrant, herbaceous flavors of spinach pesto with perfectly juicy chicken, topped with melted mozzarella that stretches with every forkful. This Spinach Pesto Baked Chicken is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into gourmet moments. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate food lover, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it your new go-to dinner solution that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup spinach pesto
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the pesto adhere better and ensures crispy edges.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage for balanced flavor.
- Spread a generous layer of spinach pesto evenly over the top of each chicken breast, covering the entire surface.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto-covered chicken breasts, creating a complete cheese layer.
- Place the prepared chicken breasts in the greased baking dish, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the cheese to set.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves or additional chopped spinach if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry thoroughly to ensure the pesto adheres perfectly and creates a crispy, flavorful exterior.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee your chicken is cooked precisely to 165°F, preventing dryness while ensuring food safety.
- For extra flavor, consider using homemade or high-quality store-bought spinach pesto with fresh ingredients.
- Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to redistribute juices, keeping the meat incredibly moist and tender.
- If you want a golden, slightly crispy top, switch your oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like adding some parmesan for extra depth of flavor.
- Serve with a light side salad or roasted vegetables to complete this delicious and balanced meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
