Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into even thickness
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 0.5 cup basil pesto
  • 2 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.25 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat 1.5 lbs chicken breast dry and season with 0.5 tsp kosher salt and 0.25 tsp cracked black pepper.
  3. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the basil pesto and softened cream cheese until a uniform, pale green emulsion forms.
  4. Place the seasoned chicken in a single layer in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the pesto-cream cheese mixture generously over each piece, sealing the tops completely.
  5. Top the pesto layer with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese.
  6. Bake for Success. Place in the center rack for 18-20 minutes. Bake until the cheese is bubbling and showing golden spots.
  7. Verify the Internal Metrics. Insert a thermometer into the thickest part; it should read 160°F.