Description
A quick and delicious low-carb Pesto Chicken Bake featuring tender chicken cutlets topped with garlic, vibrant pesto, fresh tomato slices, and melted mozzarella cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a perfect easy dinner that combines savory and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken breast cut into 4 cutlets
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- Salt, to taste
Toppings
- 4 tablespoons pesto
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) to prepare for baking the chicken cutlets.
- Prepare the chicken: Arrange the chicken breast cutlets evenly in a baking dish in a single layer. Lightly season each cutlet with salt to enhance flavor.
- Add garlic: Distribute 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic on top of each chicken cutlet, spreading it evenly for balanced flavor.
- Apply pesto: Spoon 1 tablespoon of pesto over each chicken cutlet and spread it out evenly to coat the surface.
- Add tomato slices: Place 2-3 slices of fresh tomato on top of each pesto-coated chicken cutlet for a juicy, fresh layer.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over each cutlet, ensuring good coverage for melting.
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and cook for 22-25 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF and juices run clear.
- Rest and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and cover it loosely. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to use chicken cutlets of even thickness for consistent cooking.
- You can use store-bought or homemade pesto depending on your preference.
- Check the chicken with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute mozzarella with a vegan cheese alternative or omit it.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian