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Baked Pesto Chicken 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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