This Basil Pesto Tomato Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a simple, flavorful, and wholesome dish that’s low-carb, gluten-free, and comes together in just one pan. With juicy chicken breasts, fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil pesto, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that looks as good as it tastes.
Because everything bakes in the same dish, cleanup is quick and easy. Plus, the pan juices double as a delicious sauce—perfect for tossing with rice, spaghetti, or angel hair pasta to complete the meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan meal – minimal prep and cleanup.
- Fresh and flavorful – juicy tomatoes, gooey mozzarella, and herby pesto bring Mediterranean flair.
- Low-carb & gluten-free – a lighter take on Italian-inspired comfort food.
- Versatile – serve with pasta, rice, or roasted veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 fresh tomatoes, sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
How to Make Basil Pesto Tomato Mozzarella Chicken Bake
- Prep the chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place chicken breasts in a medium-sized casserole dish. Season with salt and sprinkle with minced garlic.
- Add toppings: Spread basil pesto evenly over each chicken breast. Top with tomato slices and thick slices of mozzarella.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 20–30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Finish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil and an extra slice of tomato. Spoon the flavorful juices from the bottom of the pan over cooked pasta or rice for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- Flatten the chicken for even cooking: Pound the breasts with a meat mallet or slice them horizontally into thinner pieces.
- Homemade pesto: For extra freshness, try making your own [20-minute basil pesto] for this recipe.
- Serving ideas: Pair with spaghetti, angel hair pasta, or jasmine rice. For a lighter side, serve with roasted asparagus, green beans, broccoli, or potatoes.
- Cheese swap: Try provolone or fontina for a different flavor twist.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 563
- Protein: 62g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
This Mozzarella Chicken Bake is comfort food with a fresh, seasonal twist—perfect for spring and summer dinners, yet cozy enough to enjoy year-round. With just 40 minutes from start to finish, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.