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Basil Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner with Peaches and Mozzarella Recipe

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4 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Basil Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that combines tender, marinated chicken thighs with golden roasted baby potatoes, juicy caramelized peaches, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil pesto. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner, all ingredients are roasted together on sheet pans to create a deliciously satisfying dish bursting with fresh and savory flavors.

Ingredients

Potatoes and Seasoning

  • 1 1/2 pounds baby or Yukon Gold potatoes, quartered
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 4-6 thighs total)
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto, divided

Additional Ingredients

  • 3 fresh ripe peaches, halved and pitted
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn into chunks
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn
  • Crusty bread (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F to prepare for roasting the potatoes, chicken, peaches, and other ingredients evenly.
  2. Microwave Potatoes: Place the quartered potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl with 1/2 cup water, cover loosely, and microwave for 4–5 minutes until just barely fork-tender but not fully cooked. Drain and pat dry thoroughly.
  3. Roast Potatoes: Toss the par-cooked potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Spread them in a single layer on a large lined sheet pan and roast in the oven for 10 minutes to start browning.
  4. Whisk Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, and 3 tablespoons of basil pesto to make the flavorful marinade.
  5. Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade. Massage the mixture into each piece to coat evenly. Set aside during potato roasting, or marinate longer up to overnight in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
  6. Prepare Peaches: On a separate sheet pan, arrange halved ripe peaches cut-side up. Spray lightly with oil and optionally line the sheet pan with foil to prevent sticking and aid in caramelization.
  7. Roast Chicken with Potatoes: After the initial potato roasting time, nestle the marinated chicken thighs among the potatoes on the same sheet pan. Place both the potato-chicken pan and the peach pan in the oven and roast for 12-15 minutes. During this time, potatoes will turn golden, peaches will soften and caramelize, and chicken will begin browning on top.
  8. Add Pesto and Tomatoes: Remove the pans from the oven, set peaches aside temporarily. Evenly spread the remaining 1/2 cup pesto over the chicken thighs and add the cherry tomatoes to the pan.
  9. Roast Ingredients Again: Return the pan with chicken, potatoes, and tomatoes to the oven. Roast for an additional 12-15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, tomatoes soften, and potato edges become crispy and golden.
  10. Add Peaches and Cheese: Remove the pan from the oven. Return the roasted peaches to the pan and scatter torn fresh mozzarella chunks over the chicken, potatoes, and tomatoes, tucking pieces near the chicken thighs and potato wedges.
  11. Add Fresh Basil: Generously tear and sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the entire pan to add bright, herbal flavor just before serving.
  12. Serve with Bread: Serve the sheet pan dinner straight from the pan alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious pan juices for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Microwaving the potatoes before roasting speeds up the cooking process and ensures they become tender without drying out.
  • Marinate chicken thighs up to overnight for deeper flavor and juiciness.
  • Using ripe peaches adds natural sweetness and caramelization contrast to the savory elements.
  • Fresh mozzarella adds creamy richness; it melts slightly but maintains texture when added at the end.
  • Serve with crusty bread to fully enjoy the flavorful pan juices.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/basil-chicken-sheet-pan-dinner-with-peaches-and-mozzarella-recipe/