Italian Chicken Bake Recipe

This Italian Chicken Bake is a delightful fusion of savory flavors, combining tender chicken breasts with rich pesto, tangy Italian-style diced tomatoes, gooey mozzarella cheese, and aromatic fresh basil. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The combination of ingredients creates a delightful taste that makes this recipe a favorite.

Why We Love This Recipe

Flavorful Combination: The blend of pesto and Italian-style tomatoes creates a rich and aromatic flavor profile that enhances the taste of the chicken.
Ease and Convenience: This recipe is incredibly straightforward and easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice cooks and busy individuals.
Cheesy Delight: The addition of mozzarella cheese provides a gooey, creamy texture that complements the tangy tomatoes and herby pesto.
Freshness: Incorporating fresh basil not only adds a burst of herby freshness to the dish but also infuses it with a wonderful aroma.
Versatility: This dish is adaptable to various dietary preferences. You can substitute the chicken for another protein, use different types of cheese, or even add more vegetables.
Comforting Meal: It’s a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, yet elegant enough for entertaining guests.
Healthy Option: With lean protein from the chicken and the addition of tomatoes and basil, it’s a wholesome meal that can be adjusted to be more health-conscious.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or a dish to impress at a gathering, this recipe fits all occasions.

Ingredients

1 to 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts
1/4 cup pesto
1 (14 oz) can Italian style diced tomatoes
1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 Tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped

How to Make this Recipe

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts in a baking dish.
Add Flavor: Spread pesto over the chicken. Pour the Italian-style diced tomatoes, with their juice, over and around the chicken.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Success Tips

Even Chicken Thickness: Ensure your chicken breasts are of even thickness. If they are too thick, pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking. This prevents parts of the chicken from being overcooked while others are still raw.
High-Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your dish heavily depends on the quality of ingredients. Use high-quality pesto and fresh mozzarella cheese for the best taste.
Drain Tomatoes (Optional): If you prefer a less liquidy sauce, drain the Italian-style diced tomatoes before adding them to the chicken. This will result in a thicker sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook the chicken just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Broil for a Crispy Top: For a golden, slightly crispy top, broil the chicken for a few minutes after it’s fully cooked and the cheese has melted. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps in retaining the juices within the chicken, making it more tender and flavorful.
Garnish with Fresh Basil: Add freshly chopped basil just before serving. This will ensure the basil retains its flavor and vibrant color.
Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes a pinch of salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice can elevate the flavors.
Serve with the Right Sides: Pair this dish with sides that complement its flavors, such as a light salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re putting it in the oven straight from the fridge.

Following these tips will help ensure your Italian Chicken Bake is delicious, flavorful, and a hit with everyone who tries it.

Storage

Cooling Down: Allow the Italian Chicken Bake to cool to room temperature before storing. Do not leave it out for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Refrigeration: Store the cooled chicken bake in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure your fridge is set to a safe temperature, ideally below 40°F (4°C).
Freezing: This dish freezes well. Place the cooled chicken bake in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in freezer wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date so you can keep track of its storage time.
Thawing: If frozen, thaw the chicken bake in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature as it can encourage bacterial growth.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken bake in the oven or microwave until it is heated through. In the oven, cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out, and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warm (about 15-20 minutes). In the microwave, cover and reheat on medium power to avoid drying out the chicken.
Avoid Repeated Reheating: Reheat only the amount you plan to consume. Repeatedly warming and cooling can degrade the quality and safety of the food.

Notes

Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, like Parmesan or provolone.
Pesto: Homemade or store-bought pesto both work well in this recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: The dish is moderately high in calories, mainly due to the chicken, pesto, and cheese. A typical serving may contain around 300 to 500 calories.
Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein. A serving could provide approximately 25-35 grams of protein, which is beneficial for muscle repair and growth.
Fat: The amount of fat can vary depending on the type of pesto and cheese used. On average, a serving might have 15-25 grams of fat, with a portion of it being saturated fat from the cheese.
Carbohydrates: This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, with most coming from the tomatoes. A serving might contain about 5-10 grams of carbohydrates.
Fiber: Tomatoes and basil provide some dietary fiber, although the amount per serving is likely to be minimal, around 1-2 grams.
Vitamins and Minerals: The dish provides vitamin C from tomatoes, calcium from cheese, and various nutrients from the chicken and pesto, such as B vitamins, iron, and potassium.
Sodium: The sodium content can be relatively high due to the pesto, cheese, and canned tomatoes. It’s advisable to use low-sodium varieties of these ingredients if sodium intake is a concern.
Cholesterol: This dish contains cholesterol, primarily from the chicken and cheese. The exact amount will depend on the specific types of cheese and chicken used.

It’s important to note that this nutritional analysis is approximate and can vary. For more accurate information, consider the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use and consult a nutrition calculator or a professional dietitian.

This dish can be part of a balanced diet, especially when served with a side of vegetables or salad to increase fiber and nutrient intake. For a healthier version, you can use low-fat cheese and a reduced-fat pesto.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They might require a slightly longer cooking time due to their higher fat content and density. Chicken thighs can also add more flavor to the dish.
Is it necessary to use Italian-style diced tomatoes? While Italian-style diced tomatoes add a specific flavor due to the added herbs, you can substitute them with regular diced tomatoes. If doing so, consider adding Italian seasoning or herbs like oregano and basil for a similar flavor profile.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely. You can assemble the dish and store it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before baking. If baking from cold, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this? Italian Chicken Bake pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a green salad, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or over a bed of pasta or rice to complement its flavors.
Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese. Provolone, Parmesan, or a blend of Italian cheeses can work well. Each type of cheese will bring a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked? The safest way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The meat should also be opaque throughout, and the juices should run clear when you cut into the thickest part of the chicken breast.

Conclusion

The Italian Chicken Bake is a delightful and versatile dish that combines the rich flavors of pesto, Italian-style tomatoes, and melted mozzarella with the simplicity and nutrition of chicken. Perfect for a family meal or a special occasion, it’s easy to prepare and can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. With tips for success, storage, and answers to common questions, this recipe is both delicious and practical, making it a wonderful addition to any home cook’s repertoire.