Sheet Pan Chicken with Mozzarella Pesto and Broccoli
Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen, trying to come up with a delicious and healthy dinner? Look no further! Sheet Pan Chicken with Mozzarella Pesto and Broccoli is the perfect solution for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it also requires minimal prep and cleanup. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make this mouth-watering dish.
The Magic of Sheet Pan Cooking
Sheet pan cooking has taken the culinary world by storm, and for good reason. It’s a convenient and efficient way to prepare a complete meal all on one pan. By arranging the ingredients in a single layer, you ensure even cooking and maximum flavor. The chicken becomes tender and juicy, while the broccoli gets perfectly roasted. And let’s not forget about the mozzarella pesto, which adds a creamy and cheesy element to the dish. It’s a winning combination that will leave you wanting more.
Prepping the Chicken
First things first, you need to prepare the chicken. Whether you choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, make sure to season them with salt and pepper. This simple step helps to enhance the natural flavors of the meat. Additionally, you can marinate the chicken in your favorite herbs and spices for extra taste. Once seasoned, place the chicken on the sheet pan and get ready for the next step.
Creating the Mozzarella Pesto
The star of this dish is undoubtedly the mozzarella pesto. It’s a delicious combination of fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and, of course, mozzarella cheese. Simply blend all the ingredients together until you have a smooth and creamy pesto. Spread the pesto over the chicken breasts, making sure to cover them entirely. The mozzarella will melt and create a gooey layer of cheesy goodness. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Adding the Broccoli
No sheet pan meal is complete without some veggies. In this case, broccoli is the perfect companion to the chicken and mozzarella pesto. The vibrant green color and crisp texture of the roasted broccoli complement the other flavors beautifully. Simply toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and arrange them around the chicken on the sheet pan. This way, everything cooks together, and you end up with a well-balanced and nutritious meal.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Now that everything is prepped and ready to go, it’s time to cook the sheet pan chicken with mozzarella pesto and broccoli. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the broccoli is tender-crisp. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking, as every oven is different. Once done, remove the sheet pan from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving and Enjoying
Now comes the best part – serving and enjoying your delicious creation. Transfer the sheet pan chicken with mozzarella pesto and broccoli to a platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra pop of color. The aroma of the dish will fill the air, making everyone’s mouth water in anticipation. Serve it alongside some crusty bread or fluffy rice for a complete meal. Get ready to dig in and savor every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese for the pesto?
A: Absolutely! While mozzarella adds a creamy and mild flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Parmesan or goat cheese for a different taste profile.
Q: Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
A: Of course! This recipe is versatile, and you can use other proteins such as salmon, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the sheet pan?
A: Definitely! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the sheet pan. Just make sure they have similar cooking times.
Q: Can I make the pesto in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the pesto in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using.
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to thaw and pat it dry before tossing it with olive oil and seasoning.
Q: Can I add some spices to the chicken for extra flavor?
A: Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different spices like paprika, cumin, or Italian seasoning to give your chicken a unique and flavorful twist.
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
A: Absolutely! Bone-in chicken will take a bit longer to cook, so adjust the baking time accordingly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the appropriate internal temperature.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While it’s best to enjoy the sheet pan chicken with mozzarella pesto and broccoli fresh out of the oven, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble them when you’re ready to cook.
In Conclusion
Sheet Pan Chicken with Mozzarella Pesto and Broccoli is a game-changer when it comes to quick and easy weeknight meals. The combination of tender chicken, creamy mozzarella pesto, and roasted broccoli is simply irresistible. With minimal prep and cleanup, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious dinner on the table in no time. So why wait? Give this recipe a try and savor the flavors!
Sheet Pan Chicken with Mozzarella, Pesto, and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp garlic salt
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
- 6 tbsp pesto
- 2 medium Roma (plum) tomatoes , thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 head of broccoli , cut into florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) and lightly grease a large sheet pan.
- Season the chicken with garlic salt and pepper, then place it onto the prepared sheet pan.
- Spread pesto over the chicken, and then top it with tomatoes and mozzarella.
- In a bowl, toss the broccoli and oil together, and season with salt and pepper.
- Scatter the seasoned broccoli around the chicken on the baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the chicken is cooked through. The chicken should no longer be pink in the center and the juices should run clear.
- Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the chicken to ensure it reaches at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
