Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- Top with pesto: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of basil pesto over each chicken breast, spreading it evenly to cover the top surface.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle about 1 ounce of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each pesto-covered chicken breast.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://spiceupwithsophie.com/baked-pesto-chicken-recipe/
