This Lightened Up Pesto Chicken Bake is a protein packed, low in carbs, and gluten free! Thinly sliced chicken breast, topped with pesto sauce, tomatoes, and mozzarella, then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted to perfection! It’s easy to make and requires only one baking dish! 

Makes 4 servings

This Lightened Up Pesto Chicken Bake is insanely delicious. Let’s be real…basil pesto pairs incredible well with chicken! I love how easy this dish is to make-perfect for a weeknight dinner! 

What ingredients do I need to make this Lightened Up Pesto Chicken Bake?

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast-thinly sliced.
• Salt and pepper-to taste. 
• 4 garlic cloves-minced. You could use jarred minced garlic, as well.
• Basil pesto – it can be homemade or store-bought. Both work well. 
• Cherry tomatoes-diced. 
• Mozzarella cheese slices– I like to use the thinly sliced mozzarella cheese slices. You can use fresh mozzarella, if desired for additional points.
• Fresh basil-chopped.

How do I make this Lightened Up Pesto Chicken Bake?

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non stick cooking spray.

Depending on the size of the piece, slice into two thinner pieces. Season the front and back of chicken with salt and pepper and minced garlic.

Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Using the back of a spoon, spread 1 tablespoon of the pesto on top of each chicken breast.  Top with diced grape tomatoes.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 22-25 minutes. 

Uncover and add 1/2 slice of mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast.  Place back in the oven until cheese is melted.  

Do not over bake. The internal temperature of the chicken is 165 degrees. 

Garnish with fresh chopped basil. 

Ingredients:

• 4 ( 4 oz.) boneless, skinless thinly sliced chicken breast 
• 4 garlic cloves, minced or 2 tsp jarred minced garlic
• 4 Tbsp basil pesto- it can be homemade or store-bought. Both work well. 
• 15 cherry tomatoes, diced 
• 2 thinly sliced mozzarella cheese, cut in half
• 2 Tbsp fresh basil- chopped for garnish

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non stick cooking spray. Spread half of the pesto all over the bottom of your baking dish.  
2. Depending on the size of the piece, slice into two thinner pieces. Season the front and back of chicken with salt and pepper and minced garlic.
3. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. 
4. Using the back of a spoon, spread 1 tablespoon of the pesto on top of each chicken breast.  Top with diced grape tomatoes.Top with diced grape tomatoes.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 22-25 minutes.  Uncover and add 1/2 slice of mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast.  Place back in the oven until cheese is melted.  
6. Do not over bake. The internal temperature of the chicken is 165 degrees.  
7. Garnish with fresh chopped basil. 

Makes 4 ( 1 chicken breast) servings 

3 WW Points® per serving

How do I track this recipe in my WW app? 

Click the link below to go to the recipe builder. You’ll first need to sign into your WW account and then the recipe builder will upload. The recipe builder is the most accurate way to create, obtain, and track the Points®

The recipe builder link only works for WW members located in the United States. If you are located outside of the United States, you’ll need to access the WW app manually to create the recipe in the recipe builder. 

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