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Cheesy Pesto Chicken Bake

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness
  • 3/4 cup basil pesto
  • 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and lightly oil a baking dish.
  2. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Spread the pesto over each breast and arrange in the dish.
  4. Bake 25 to 35 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
  5. Top with mozzarella and parmesan and broil the last 2 to 3 minutes for color.

Notes

Thinner breasts cook faster and thicker ones risk underdone centers, so pound them to an even thickness. Mozzarella browns and goes rubbery if overbaked - broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes for color rather than extending the bake. Jarred pesto is oilier and saltier; fresh is more vibrant but less shelf-stable.