Description
This elegant Mediterranean-inspired dish features tender, succulent chicken breasts crusted with vibrant basil pesto and roasted alongside blistered cherry tomatoes. The high-heat roasting technique creates a delicious, naturally seasoned pan sauce with hints of garlic and lemon. It is a simple, healthy, and cohesive one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights, offering a burst of herbaceous flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
4 boneless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
1/2 cup basil pesto
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Spread two tablespoons of pesto evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
Place chicken into a baking dish and scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around them.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle minced garlic over the chicken and tomatoes.
Roast for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove from oven, drizzle with fresh lemon juice, and serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Use a high-quality store-bought or fresh homemade pesto to elevate the flavor. Serve alongside crusty bread or quinoa to soak up the delicious pan juices.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Sheet Pan Dinners
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with vegetables
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg