Mediterranean Pesto Lemon chiken with Garlic Mozzarella Drizzle
This Mediterranean Pesto Lemon Chicken with Garlic Mozzarella Drizzle is a vibrant, juicy, and herbaceous dish inspired by sunny coastal flavors. Lemon and pesto bring brightness, while the garlic-mozzarella drizzle adds indulgent, melty richness. Perfect for weeknights, yet impressive enough for guests!
Time Required
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon (plus 1 tsp zest)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pesto Marinade:
¼ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional for creaminess)
1 teaspoon minced garlic
For the Garlic Mozzarella Drizzle:
¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons cream or milk
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon butter
Optional: pinch of chili flakes for heat
Garnish:
Fresh basil or parsley
Lemon wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice & zest, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Rub this mixture into the chicken breasts.
In another bowl, combine pesto, minced garlic, and Greek yogurt (if using). Spread over chicken evenly.
Let marinate for at least 20–30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Pan Method: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side or until golden and fully cooked.
Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place marinated chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes or until cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
Step 3: Prepare Garlic Mozzarella Drizzle
In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Add cream or milk and heat gently.
Stir in shredded mozzarella. Whisk until melted and smooth.
Add a pinch of chili flakes if desired.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
Drizzle hot garlic mozzarella sauce over the cooked chicken.
Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Serve hot with rice, couscous, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Tips for Success
Pound the Chicken Evenly
– Lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for faster, more even cooking.
Marinate for Maximum Flavor
– Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) helps the lemon and pesto flavors penetrate deeply into the meat.
Check Doneness with a Thermometer
– Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcooking to keep it juicy.
Use Fresh Mozzarella for Stretch
– If you love melty cheese, fresh mozzarella balls or low-moisture mozzarella shredded at home melt better and give more “pull.”
Broil for Golden Topping
– After drizzling the cheese sauce, place the chicken under the broiler for 1–2 minutes for a bubbly, golden finish.
Variations
Add Veggies
– Bake chicken over a bed of zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for a one-pan Mediterranean meal.
Use Chicken Thighs
– For extra juiciness and flavor, substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
Try Other Cheeses
– Blend mozzarella with Parmesan, Gruyère, or fontina for added depth in the drizzle.
Make It Dairy-Free
– Use dairy-free cheese and coconut cream or plant milk for the drizzle. Omit yogurt in the marinade.
Turn Up the Heat
– Add a pinch of crushed red pepper to both the marinade and the drizzle for a spicy kick.
Serve It Differently
– Serve over pasta, couscous, garlic bread, or rice pilaf to soak up every drop of sauce.
Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought pesto?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works great. For a fresher taste, use refrigerated versions or make your own with basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C), covered, for 10–15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second bursts. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist.
Q: Can I grill the chicken instead of baking or pan-frying?
A: Yes! Grilling gives the chicken a smoky edge. Just brush off excess pesto before placing it on the grill and cook 5–7 minutes per side.
Q: Can I make this recipe low-carb?
A: It already is! Just pair it with cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables instead of pasta or rice.
Q: Can I prep this ahead?
A: Yes. Marinate the chicken and make the cheese sauce ahead. Store them separately and combine just before serving.
Nutrition Info (per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: ~370
Protein: 35g
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: <1g
Sugars: 1g
Calcium: ~20% DV
Sodium: ~500mg (can vary with cheese and pesto used)
Note: Nutrition may vary depending on the brand of pesto, cheese, and additional ingredients.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Pesto Lemon Chicken is a mouthwatering combination of zesty, herb-packed marinade and creamy, garlicky indulgence. It’s a dish that balances fresh and comforting, bright and rich, making it just as ideal for a quick weeknight meal as it is for a dinner party centerpiece. Whether served with pasta, grains, or a crisp salad, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.