**Pesto Baked Chicken**
**Prep Time**: 5 minutes
**Cook Time**: 25 minutes
**Total Time**: 30 minutes
**Servings**: 4
**Description**: Chicken garnished with fresh basil pesto and cheese, baked until fully cooked and the cheese has melted, then finished with a fresh tomato topping!
**Ingredients**:
– 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup basil pesto
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated parmigiano reggiano (parmesan cheese)
– 2 cups tomato bruschetta (optional)
**Directions**:
1. Position the chicken in a baking dish and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
2. Evenly distribute the basil pesto over the chicken, then sprinkle the cheeses on top.
3. Bake in a preheated oven at 350F/180C until the chicken is thoroughly cooked (165F), approximately 25-35 minutes, then garnish with basil and savor!
**Notes**:
– Baking duration will vary based on the size of the chicken breasts; larger breasts may require more time; use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165F. If the topping appears to be darkening too much, cover it with foil.
– Option: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon onion powder alongside the salt and pepper.
– Option: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the salt and pepper.
– Option: Include 8 ounces of room temperature cream cheese; spread it over the chicken prior to adding the pesto.
**Nutrition Facts**: Calories 338, Fat 24g (Saturated 6.6g, Trans 0), Cholesterol 207mg, Sodium 1026mg, Carbs 3.3g (Fiber 1g, Sugars 1.3g), Protein 27g
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**Tomato Bruschetta**
**Prep Time**: 15 minutes
**Total Time**: 15 minutes
**Servings**: 4
**Description**: Fresh tomatoes combined with garlic, onions, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and basil!
**Ingredients**:
– 2 cups diced tomatoes, seeded
– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– 3 minced/grated garlic cloves
– 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
– 2 tablespoons thinly sliced basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Directions**:
1. Thoroughly combine all the ingredients and optionally allow it to rest for an hour before serving!
**Nutrition Facts**: Calories 52, Fat 3g (Saturated 0.3g, Trans 0), Cholesterol 0, Sodium 5mg, Carbs 4g (Fiber 1g, Sugars 2g), Protein 0.8g