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Pesto Chicken Parmesan

A delightful combination of juicy chicken, aromatic pesto, and gooey melted cheese that creates a vibrant and comforting dish, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 2 pieces chicken breasts
  • 1 cup pesto sauce
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded For topping
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For topping
  • to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil For cooking

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, take your chicken breasts and season them lightly with salt and pepper.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. In a large oven-proof skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
  2. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this point, as they’ll finish baking in the oven.
Adding the Sauce and Cheese
  1. After the chicken is seared, add the pesto sauce over the top of each breast, ensuring they’re well-coated.
  2. Then, pour the marinara sauce over the chicken.
  3. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Baking
  1. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
  1. Once out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For substitutions, you can use chicken thighs for added juiciness or a turkey breast for something leaner. For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with eggplant slices. Avoid overcooking the chicken while searing it, as it finishes cooking in the oven. Don’t skip the resting time after baking to keep the juices inside.