Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Baked Pesto Chicken is a simple and flavorful dish that brings the fresh, herbal taste of pesto together with tender chicken. It’s an easy meal perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese (such as mozzarella or Parmesan)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish.
2. Step 2: Spoon the pesto evenly over each chicken breast, then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
3. Step 3: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
4. Step 4: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh homemade pesto for a vibrant flavor, or store-bought pesto for convenience.
• Try adding sliced tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes on top before baking for extra flavor.
• Swap the cheese for goat cheese or feta for a tangy twist.

Storage

Store leftover baked pesto chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through to preserve its texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, fully thaw the chicken before baking.

What sides go well with baked pesto chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of pasta tossed in olive oil.

Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 103 reviews

This simple and flavorful Baked Pesto Chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts topped with vibrant basil pesto and melted cheese, baked to perfection for a delicious and easy dinner option.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)

Pesto

• 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

Cheese

• 4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (or your preferred melting cheese)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, ensuring they are spaced evenly for even cooking.
2. Top with pesto: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of basil pesto over each chicken breast, spreading it evenly to cover the top surface.
3. Add cheese: Sprinkle about 1 ounce of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each pesto-covered chicken breast.
4. Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cheese should be melted and slightly golden.
5. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
• You can substitute mozzarella with parmesan or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, salad, or pasta for a complete meal.
• Leftover chicken can be refrigerated up to 3 days.

Keywords: baked pesto chicken, pesto chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, Italian chicken, baked chicken with cheese