Description
This Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes is a flavorful and healthy baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with aromatic basil pesto and juicy grape tomatoes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it offers a delightful blend of Italian herbs, fresh ingredients, and a cheesy finish with Parmesan.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pesto and Vegetables
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 2 cups halved grape tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken evenly.
- Season Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to build flavorful layers.
- Apply Pesto: Evenly spread the basil pesto over the top of each chicken breast, adding a rich and herby taste.
- Prepare Tomatoes: In a small bowl, toss the halved grape tomatoes with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then scatter them around the chicken breasts in the baking dish for a fresh and juicy addition.
- Bake: Bake the chicken and tomatoes in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add Cheese and Garnish: Remove the baking dish from the oven, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken, and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Serve: Serve the chicken warm, ideally paired with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Use store-bought or homemade basil pesto depending on your preference and convenience.
- You can substitute grape tomatoes with cherry tomatoes if they are unavailable.
