Name: Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Sheet Pan Meal
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 ounces green beans ((washed and trimmed)); 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ teaspoon garlic salt; 2 tablespoons Italian Panko breadcrumbs; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; salt and pepper ((to taste)); 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato pesto; 2 slices mozzarella cheese

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When it comes to quick, flavorful dinners, nothing beats Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Sheet Pan Meal. Imagine a busy weeknight, and you want to whip up something that satisfies without taking hours in the kitchen. This recipe is my go-to, especially when I crave the delightful combination of chicken, mozzarella, and that heavenly pesto. It’s one of those meals that I can prep while my kids are finishing up their homework. As soon as they smell the savory aroma wafting from the oven, they know dinner is about to be a hit!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
30 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
25 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
450 kcal

Protein:
38 g

Diet:
Keto, Low FODMAP

Fat:
28 g

Tools Used:
Baking Sheet

What We Adore About This Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Sheet Pan Meal

Quick and Easy Cleanup

One of the best things about the Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Sheet Pan Meal is how easy it is to clean up. By using a single baking sheet, there’s less to wash afterwards. Just line it with aluminum foil, and you’ll have a nearly mess-free experience. Who doesn’t love a great meal that doesn’t leave you buried in dirty dishes?

Flavorful Ingredients

The flavor profile of this dish is simply irresistible. The sun-dried tomato pesto adds a rich and tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the mozzarella cheese and chicken. When baked together, the flavors meld into something truly spectacular. It’s like a delicious Italian restaurant meal made right in your own kitchen!

Versatile Meal

This dish is incredibly versatile. You can easily add or substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand. Want to throw in some bell peppers or zucchini? Go for it! The green beans in the recipe are a perfect side, but feel free to customize it to suit your family’s preferences.

Family-Friendly Dish

Kids love this dish! I’ve found that the combination of chicken and mozzarella is always a winner with them. It’s also a great way to introduce them to new flavors, like the pesto. They often surprise me by asking for seconds, which is music to any parent’s ears!

Perfect for Meal Prep

If you’re into meal prepping, the Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Sheet Pan Meal is ideal. You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge, ready to pop into the oven after a long day. This means that dinner can be on the table in no time!

What Goes Into Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Sheet Pan Meal

This recipe brings together a wonderful harmony of ingredients. The combination of chicken, pesto, mozzarella, and green beans creates a balance of protein, flavor, and nutrition. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the juicy chicken to the luscious cheese and vibrant pesto. Together, they transform into a delicious meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week.

12 ounces green beans (washed and trimmed) – These fresh green beans add a nice crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
2 tablespoons olive oil – This healthy fat helps to enhance the flavors of the vegetables and chicken.
½ teaspoon garlic salt – Garlic salt adds depth and a savory kick to your meal.

2 tablespoons Italian Panko breadcrumbs – The breadcrumbs give a lovely crunch to the green beans.
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The star of the dish, providing protein and substance.
salt and pepper (to taste) – Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors of the dish.

2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato pesto – This rich and tangy pesto elevates the chicken with amazing flavor.
2 slices mozzarella cheese – The gooey cheese adds richness and a delightful melt.

Making Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Sheet Pan Meal

Cooking the Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Sheet Pan Meal is as simple as it is satisfying! You’ll start by prepping your ingredients, and soon, the wonderful aroma will fill your kitchen. Follow these steps to create this delicious one-pan meal.

Preheat your oven to 425℉ and line a small baking sheet with aluminum foil to make cleanup a breeze. This small step can save you time and effort later!
Place the washed and trimmed green beans on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle them with the olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt. Toss to coat well.
Add the Italian Panko breadcrumbs to the green beans, tossing again to fully coat them. You’ll want a nice crunch on those beans, so make sure they’re well covered.

Now, push the green beans to one side of the baking sheet, creating space for the chicken.
Pat the chicken breasts dry using a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step helps the seasoning stick better.
Season each side of the chicken with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Seasoning is key for flavor!

Lay the chicken breasts on the opposite side of the baking sheet from the green beans. This allows them to cook evenly alongside the veggies.
Carefully spread 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato pesto evenly over each of the chicken breasts. This adds a wonderful flavor that complements the chicken.
Cover each chicken breast with a slice of mozzarella cheese, letting it melt beautifully as it cooks.

Finally, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165℉. Keep an eye on the cheese; it should turn golden and bubbly!

Things Worth Knowing

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality green beans and chicken make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Check Chicken Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked through.

Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on the size of your chicken breasts, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Watch the Cheese: Broiling the last few minutes can give your mozzarella cheese a nice, golden crunch.

Make It Your Own

There are endless ways to personalize your Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Sheet Pan Meal. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors! Here are some ideas to inspire you.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked assembled sheet pan meal. Just make sure to wrap it tightly. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Pairing: Serve alongside a fresh salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu for a veggie-friendly version.
Herbs & Spices: Experiment with herbs like basil or oregano for added flavor.
Different Cheeses: Try using different cheeses like provolone or fontina for a unique twist.

Serve This Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Sheet Pan Meal With

When it comes to enjoying your Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Sheet Pan Meal, the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas for sides and occasions:

Fresh Green Salad: Pair it with a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up those flavorful juices on your plate.

Seasonal Vegetables: Serve with roasted seasonal vegetables for a wholesome meal any time of year.
Perfect for Dinner: This dish is excellent for a weeknight dinner or casual family gatherings.
Meal Prep: Perfect for meal prepping, as it keeps well in the fridge for leftovers.

Impress Guests: Serve it when hosting friends or family; they’ll be impressed by your culinary skills!

FAQ

The Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Sheet Pan Meal stands out because it combines juicy chicken with the rich flavors of pesto and melted mozzarella, all cooked on a single sheet pan. This not only simplifies cleanup but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully during cooking. It’s a versatile dish that can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Absolutely! The Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Sheet Pan Meal is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a quick weeknight dinner. Just make sure to cover it tightly with wrap or foil. When you’re ready to eat, pop it in the oven and let it bake. This way, you can have a home-cooked meal ready in no time!

You can use a variety of vegetables in the Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Sheet Pan Meal. While green beans are great, you could easily substitute them with bell peppers, zucchini, or even carrots. Just be mindful of the cooking times for different vegetables, as some may require longer or shorter times to become tender. Feel free to get creative with what you have on hand!

This dish pairs wonderfully with a light green salad to balance the richness of the cheese and pesto. You can also serve it with some crusty bread for soaking up the delicious juices. If you want to keep it simple, a side of roasted or steamed vegetables would complement the Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Sheet Pan Meal perfectly. Enjoy!

Conclusion

The Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Sheet Pan Meal is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that brings comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table. Its ease of preparation and cleanup makes it a perfect choice for busy families or anyone looking for a quick yet delicious meal. I encourage you to try making this dish tonight; you won’t be disappointed with the results!

Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Sheet Pan Meal

The ultimate comfort food, the Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Sheet Pan Meal is a simple yet delicious weeknight dinner. With juicy chicken, melted mozzarella, and flavorful pesto, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. It's easy to prepare and clean up, making it perfect for busy nights.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 25

Total Time 30

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

Baking Sheet

Ingredients

12 ounces green beans (washed and trimmed)
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic salt
2 tablespoons Italian Panko breadcrumbs
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
salt and pepper (to taste)
2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato pesto
2 slices mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425℉ and line a small baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place the washed and trimmed green beans on the prepared baking sheet and toss them in the olive oil and garlic salt. Add in the Italian Panko breadcrumbs and toss to fully coat. Push the green beans to one side of the baking sheet. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season each side with salt and pepper to taste. Lay the chicken breasts on the opposite side of the baking sheet from the green beans. Carefully spread 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato pesto evenly over each of the chicken breasts. Cover each chicken breast with 1 slice of mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165℉.

Notes

Tip 1: Line the baking sheet for easy cleanup!
Tip 2: If you want to avoid the possibility of some cheese running into the green beans, you can make an aluminum foil dam to split the baking sheet in half.
Tip 3: Don’t skip patting the chicken dry, or the cheese may slide off.

Tip 4: I recommend using a thicker pasty rather than oily pesto to help the cheese stick.
Tip 5: For extra browning, broil the chicken for the last 3-5 minutes.