If you’re looking for a dish that brings together vibrant colors, irresistible flavors, and a comforting richness, then the Pesto Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe perfectly balances the fresh, herbal zest of pesto with juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, creating a harmony of taste and texture that’s guaranteed to impress everyone at your table. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or an intimate dinner, this dish is unbelievably simple yet luxurious enough to feel special every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this recipe right is all about using simple, fresh ingredients that work beautifully together. Each component plays an essential role, from the tender chicken breasts providing a hearty base to the juicy cherry tomatoes adding a pop of sweetness and color, while the mozzarella melts into creamy bliss. Let’s break down what you’ll need to create this delicious meal.
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise): These become tender cutlets that cook quickly and soak up all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to brown the chicken beautifully and adds richness.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds a silky finish and enhances the overall flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Provides that aromatic punch that makes every bite special.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine: This adds moisture and a hint of acidity to balance the dish.
- 1 (10 ounce) package little tomatoes (grape or cherry, cut in halves): Burst of fresh sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup pesto: The star ingredient, packed with herbaceous flavor and a touch of nuttiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds complexity with a mix of classic Mediterranean herbs.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts into gooey, luscious goodness on top of the chicken.
- Fresh basil (optional, to taste): A fresh garnish that brings everything together beautifully.
How to Make Pesto Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and arranging the rack to the top third position. This positioning helps the cheese melt and brown perfectly once the chicken is in the oven.
Step 2: Seasoning the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thin cutlets that cook evenly and quickly. Season each piece generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to infuse the meat with flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Searing the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Add the chicken cutlets and sear them for 4 to 5 minutes per side, aiming for a golden-brown crust without cooking all the way through, since they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
Step 4: Building the Sauce
Remove the chicken and set it aside briefly. In the same skillet, toss in minced garlic, chicken broth or dry white wine, cherry tomatoes, pesto, and Italian seasoning. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the skillet bottom – that’s where the magic flavor lives.
Step 5: Simmering the Tomatoes
Let the sauce cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start softening and releasing their juicy sweetness. This creates a vibrant, slightly saucy base that coats the chicken wonderfully.
Step 6: Adding Cheese and Chicken Back In
Take the skillet off the heat and nestle the chicken cutlets back into the sauce. Top each piece generously with shredded mozzarella, which will melt and form a beautiful golden layer.
Step 7: Finishing in the Oven
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and cook for 5 minutes. Then switch to broil for a few minutes to brown the mozzarella nicely—keep an eye on it to prevent burning. If you prefer not to broil, bake the chicken for 7 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for perfect doneness.
Step 8: Garnishing and Serving
Once out of the oven, sprinkle on fresh basil leaves to brighten up the dish visually and flavor-wise. Serve immediately while everything is hot and the sauce is at its most luscious.
How to Serve Pesto Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a natural choice to enhance the pesto flavors and add a refreshing herbaceous note. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy kick or a drizzle of good-quality balsamic vinegar to add a gentle tang that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese.
Side Dishes
This dish loves company that can soak up its rich sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or even a crusty loaf of bread are excellent partners. For a lighter option, toss together a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to add some crispness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken on a bed of garlic-infused couscous or polenta. If you want to impress guests at your next dinner party, plate the chicken artistically with scattered roasted cherry tomatoes and basil leaves, letting the vibrant colors shine. You could also layer the chicken, sauce, and cheese in a baking dish to create a shareable, family-style main course everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to separate the chicken from any fresh garnishes to keep flavors bright and textures fresh. Leftover pesto chicken makes for a fantastic next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. However, keep in mind that the texture of fresh tomatoes might change slightly after freezing and reheating. To maintain the best flavor and texture, freeze the chicken separately from the sauce and cheese if possible.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the mozzarella from becoming rubbery. Covering the pan loosely with foil while reheating in the oven helps keep everything moist and tasty.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works wonderfully for this recipe, especially if you’re short on time. Just choose a high-quality pesto for the best flavor impact.
Is it necessary to broil the chicken at the end?
Broiling adds a lovely golden crust to the mozzarella, but if you prefer, baking alone until cooked through works just fine. The key is ensuring the cheese is melted and the chicken reaches a safe temperature.
Can I substitute the mozzarella with another cheese?
Yes, fresh mozzarella is traditional, but you could use provolone, fontina, or even a mild cheddar for a different twist. Just choose a cheese that melts well and complements the pesto.
What can I serve if I want a low-carb meal?
Serve the pesto chicken with steamed or roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or cauliflower rice to keep things low-carb and still delicious.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you choose gluten-free chicken broth and check that your pesto doesn’t contain any unwanted additives.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Pesto Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella Recipe that makes it a standout dish for any occasion. It’s quick enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests, blending fresh, vibrant flavors with comforting cheese and juicy tomatoes. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try and let it become one of your new favorites for sharing with family and friends. You’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can come together to create such a delicious, memorable meal.
Print
Pesto Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Pesto Chicken recipe features tender chicken cutlets cooked in a flavorful garlic and tomato pesto sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. It’s a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a weeknight dinner that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or rice.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Cooking Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- 1 (10 ounce) package little tomatoes (grape or cherry), cut into halves
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Fresh basil (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the oven rack in the top third to prepare for finishing the chicken under heat.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, creating 4 thin cutlets. Season each piece with garlic powder, salt, and pepper thoroughly to enhance flavor.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the chicken cutlets for 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown but not fully cooked. Transfer them to a plate to rest.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic, chicken broth or white wine, halved tomatoes, pesto, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Sauce: Scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan and cook the mixture for 3-5 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down and release their juices, creating a flavorful sauce.
- Assemble the Dish: Remove the skillet from heat. Return the chicken cutlets to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Generously top each chicken cutlet with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Finish in the Oven: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. Then switch to the broil setting and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely, to brown the cheese without burning. Alternatively, you can bake the chicken for about 7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) without broiling.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a burst of fresh flavor. Serve immediately, preferably with side dishes that absorb the rich sauce such as mashed potatoes or rice.
Notes
- Cutting the chicken breasts into thin cutlets ensures even cooking and tenderness.
- Use either chicken broth or dry white wine depending on your preference; both add depth to the sauce.
- Keep a close eye during broiling to avoid burning the mozzarella cheese.
- Pesto can be store-bought or homemade for a fresher taste.
- Ideal side dishes include mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
