Mediterranean Pesto Chicken Bake

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 40 min

Ingredients

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional, for extra flavor)
• 4 tablespoons Mediterranean-style basil pesto (see below for a quick recipe if needed)
• 1 Roma tomato, thinly sliced
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional, for depth of flavor)
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional but very Mediterranean)
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced or shredded
• Zest of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400˚F (200˚C).

2. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.

3. Butterfly the chicken breasts if they’re thick (optional), or simply place them whole in the baking dish.

4. Season both sides with salt, pepper, oregano, and a bit of lemon zest if using.

5. Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto over each chicken breast.

6. Top each with slices of tomato, optional red onion, and Kalamata olives.

7. Cover with mozzarella cheese.

8. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and cheese is golden and bubbly.

9. Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

10. Serve with: couscous, quinoa, or a fresh cucumber-tomato salad.