Pesto Chicken & Mozzarella Skillet

Juicy golden chicken simmered in vibrant basil pesto, buried under a blanket of melted mozzarella and sweet roasted cherry tomatoes — this Pesto Chicken & Mozzarella Skillet is the kind of one-pan dinner that has everyone reaching for seconds. Herby, cheesy, and ready in about 30 minutes, it is cozy weeknight comfort that tastes like an Italian trattoria made it.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Crusty garlic bread, pasta, rice, or roasted potatoes, for serving

Instructions

1. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Sear until golden: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until deeply golden. Remove to a plate.
3. Soften the aromatics: Lower the heat to medium, add the garlic, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
4. Add the pesto: Stir in the basil pesto, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, and let it bubble gently for 1 minute.
5. Build the skillet: Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the pesto-tomato sauce over each piece. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top.
6. Melt and brown: Cover and cook on low for 5–6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is fully melted, or broil for 2–3 minutes for a lightly browned, bubbly top.
7. Finish and serve: Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil leaves. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or roasted potatoes, or with crusty garlic bread to soak up every drop of the pesto sauce.

Pro tip: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before searing so they cook evenly and stay juicy — and don’t skip the quick broil at the end, those golden bubbly spots on the mozzarella are the best part.

Estimated nutrition per serving: 440 calories, 40g protein, 10g carbohydrates, 27g fat.