Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that perfectly balances fresh, vibrant flavors with hearty satisfaction, the Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender chicken breasts, rich basil pesto, and juicy grape tomatoes for a burst of color and taste that is both comforting and elegantly simple. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this recipe offers a delightful mix of textures and Italian-inspired flavors that will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes Recipe is thoughtfully chosen for a reason. From the aromatic basil pesto to the sweet pop of grape tomatoes, everything works together to create a dish that’s vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying, yet easy to prepare.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These lean cuts cook evenly and soak up the pesto beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps to achieve a golden sear on the chicken.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning that enhances all flavors without overpowering.
- ½ cup basil pesto: The aromatic heart of the dish, pesto adds a fresh herbaceous punch; use store-bought or homemade.
- 1 ½ cups grape tomatoes, halved: Their juicy sweetness bursts in your mouth, perfectly complementing the savory pesto.
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a creamy, mild layer that ties everything together.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, salty contrast to the softer mozzarella.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of green and an extra hit of fresh basil aroma.
How to Make Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel—this step is crucial to get a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful light golden crust. This not only locks in the juices but creates a tasty base for the pesto and tomatoes.
Step 2: Add Pesto and Tomatoes
Remove the skillet from the heat. Spoon a generous layer of basil pesto over each chicken breast, allowing the vibrant green color to shine. Next, top the chicken with the halved grape tomatoes, distributing them evenly so that each bite offers a burst of sweetness with the pesto’s herbaceous flavor.
Step 3: Sprinkle Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the tomatoes and pesto. This combo melts into a luscious topping that balances creaminess with a slight tang. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cheese should be bubbly and lightly golden around the edges.
Step 4: Rest and Garnish
When the chicken is cooked through, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy. Finish by garnishing with fresh basil leaves, adding a final aromatic touch that beautifully complements the pesto.
How to Serve Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the perfect garnish, adding a lively green contrast and enhanced herbal notes. For a touch of indulgence, consider a light drizzle of balsamic glaze, which adds a subtle sweetness and depth to every bite.
Side Dishes
This Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Serve it alongside a bed of al dente pasta tossed in olive oil or garlic, steamed rice, or a fresh green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to keep the meal light and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, present the chicken on a rustic wooden board alongside a colorful spread of antipasti, crusty bread, and olives. Alternatively, slice the chicken and serve atop a creamy polenta or alongside roasted vegetables for an elegant twist on weeknight comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the pesto and tomatoes together with the chicken helps maintain moisture and flavor, so it’s best to reheat the dish as a whole.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly in freezer-friendly containers or foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and taste.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through. This ensures the cheese melts nicely again while keeping the chicken juicy and tender.
FAQs
Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes?
Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes work just as well in this recipe, offering a similar sweetness and juicy texture that pairs perfectly with the pesto and chicken.
Is homemade basil pesto better than store-bought?
Homemade pesto can provide a fresher, more vibrant flavor and allows customization of ingredients. However, high-quality store-bought pesto is a fantastic time-saver and still delivers excellent taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you choose gluten-free pesto or verify that your store-bought version contains no gluten ingredients.
What is the best way to tell if the chicken is cooked thoroughly?
Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method; chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is juicy and safe to eat.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
You can season and sear the chicken in advance, then cover and refrigerate it for a few hours before topping with pesto, tomatoes, and cheese and baking. This helps streamline dinner without compromising flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s as quick as it is delightful, the Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes Recipe is a must-try. It brings together classic Italian flavors in a dish that feels both familiar and exciting. I can’t wait for you to give it a go and enjoy every vibrant, cheesy, tomato-kissed bite as much as I do!
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Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes is a flavorful and easy-to-make baked chicken dish. Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection, topped with vibrant basil pesto, juicy grape tomatoes, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then baked until perfectly cooked. Garnished with fresh basil, this recipe makes a perfect low-carb, gluten-free main course ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups grape tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they develop a light golden crust. This step locks in juices and adds flavor. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Add Pesto and Toppings: Spread a generous spoonful of basil pesto evenly over each seared chicken breast. Top them with the halved grape tomatoes, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy finish.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and Garnish: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving to add a fresh aromatic touch.
Notes
- Serve with pasta, rice, or a simple green salad to complete the meal.
- Cherry tomatoes can be used as a substitute for grape tomatoes if preferred.
- For an extra rich flavor, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the cooked chicken before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
