Flavorful Pesto Chicken with Juicy Cherry Tomatoes
A simple yet satisfying dish featuring chicken breasts coated in basil pesto and roasted cherry tomatoes, creating a fresh and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 700g)
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (about 120ml), homemade or store-bought
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (about 300g), halved
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice for bright finish
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, optional for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
- Season each chicken breast generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Spread the basil pesto evenly over the tops of the chicken breasts.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in a baking dish, and scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around them.
- Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the chicken and tomatoes, and sprinkle the minced garlic on top.
Cooking
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- After removing the dish from the oven, squeeze freshly squeezed lemon juice over the top.
- If desired, garnish with Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil.
- Let the dish rest for about five minutes before serving.
Notes
Consider marinating the chicken in pesto a few hours prior to baking for added flavor. Allowing the chicken to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking can ensure more even cooking.