Pesto Bruschetta Chicken (Print Version)

Tender chicken topped with pesto, fresh tomatoes, and melted mozzarella

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 pounds)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

→ Pesto

06 - 4 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

→ Bruschetta Topping

07 - 3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
08 - ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
11 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
12 - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
13 - ½ teaspoon salt
14 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Cheese

15 - 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 6 ounces)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish or sheet pan with cooking spray or oil.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub evenly with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on all sides. Place seasoned chicken in the prepared baking dish.
03 - Spoon 1 tablespoon basil pesto over each chicken breast, using the back of the spoon to spread it evenly across the surface.
04 - Bake chicken for 15 minutes to begin the cooking process.
05 - While chicken bakes, combine diced tomatoes, red onion, minced garlic, chopped basil, extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Toss thoroughly to combine and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
06 - Remove chicken from oven after 15 minutes. Top each breast evenly with one-fourth of the bruschetta mixture, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top.
07 - Return to oven and bake for 8–10 minutes longer, until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and cheese is melted and lightly browned.
08 - Let chicken rest for 3–5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute. Serve with any remaining bruschetta mixture spooned over the top or on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The pesto and melted mozzarella create this incredible creamy, herbal sauce right on the chicken
  • Fresh tomato bruschetta on top makes it feel fancy without any actual work
02 -
  • I learned the hard way that uneven chicken breasts mean uneven cooking so pound the thicker ends down before you start
  • The bruschetta releases water as it sits so if you make it way ahead, drain the excess liquid before topping
03 -
  • If the chicken breasts are huge, cut them in half horizontally before seasoning
  • Let the chicken come to room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking for even results

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