Keto Pesto Chicken Caprese Recipe

Name: Keto Pesto Chicken Caprese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts (700g); 4 tbsp basil pesto; 2 large tomatoes, sliced; 200g fresh mozzarella, sliced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning; Fresh basil leaves; Salt and pepper

Prep: 10minCook: 22min4 servingsEasy567 cal / servingItalian

gluten-freehigh-proteinlow-carbketoketo-dietweight-loss

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Keto pesto chicken caprese combines juicy pan-seared chicken breasts topped with vibrant basil pesto, fresh tomato slices, and melted fresh mozzarella for an Italian-inspired dinner that looks as stunning as it tastes. This elegant one-pan dish uses classic Caprese ingredients to transform ordinary chicken into something extraordinary. With just 4g net carbs per serving and 66g of protein, this is one of the most beautiful and macro-friendly keto chicken dinners you can make.

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts (about 700g total), pounded to even thickness
4 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
2 large tomatoes, sliced (about 200g)
200g fresh mozzarella, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Balsamic glaze (sugar-free) for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Do not move during searing.
Remove from heat. Spread 1 tbsp pesto over each chicken breast.
Layer tomato slices on top of the pesto, then top with fresh mozzarella slices.
Transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and mozzarella is melted and golden.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Drizzle with sugar-free balsamic glaze if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh mozzarella (not shredded), as it melts more beautifully and has a softer texture.
For homemade pesto: blend 2 cups basil, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 2 cloves garlic, 1/2 cup parmesan, 1/2 cup olive oil, salt. Takes 5 minutes.
Add sliced avocado alongside the tomato layer for extra keto-friendly fat.
Substitute chicken breast with boneless thighs; reduce searing time to 3-4 minutes per side.
For a non-oven variation, cover the skillet with a lid after adding toppings and cook on low for 5 minutes until cheese melts.

Nutrition Breakdown

Calories: 567 kcal

Protein: 65.9g

Fat: 30g

Carbs: 5.9g

Net Carbs: 4g

Fiber: 1.5g

Optimize your keto macros for fat loss with the Keto Calculator on Nutrify.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many net carbs are in keto pesto chicken caprese?

Just 4g net carbs per serving, mostly from the tomatoes and basil pesto. This is one of the most macro-efficient keto chicken dishes.

Is store-bought pesto keto-friendly?

Most plain basil pestos are keto-friendly at 1-6g carbs per tablespoon. Check the label for added sugars or starchy fillers. Brands like Kirkland or Barilla's classic basil pesto are generally fine.

Can I use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes. Use about 2 tbsp of chopped sun-dried tomatoes per chicken breast for a more intense, concentrated tomato flavor. This reduces the carb count from tomatoes slightly.

Why sear chicken before baking?

Searing first creates a golden Maillard reaction crust that seals in juices and adds flavor. The brief oven time then brings it to safe internal temperature without overcooking.

Can I grill this instead of oven-bake?

Yes. Grill chicken over direct heat, spread with pesto, add toppings, then move to indirect heat with the grill lid closed for 3-4 minutes to melt the cheese.