Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This baked pesto chicken recipe is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few ingredients, you can create a tender, cheesy meal that’s sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup pesto
• 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 on a baking dish.
2. Step 2: Spread about 2 tablespoons of pesto evenly over each chicken breast.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top of the pesto-covered chicken.
4. Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in pesto for 30 minutes before baking.
• Try using different cheeses like Gruyère or feta for a unique twist.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice over the chicken before serving to brighten the flavors.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

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 moisture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper texture.

What type of pesto works best?

Traditional basil pesto works beautifully, but you can also try sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto for variety.

Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 111 reviews

Delicious and easy baked pesto chicken featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with flavorful pesto and melted cheese. A simple yet elegant dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

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

Toppings

• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet or in a baking dish lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
2. Top with pesto: Spread approximately 2 tablespoons of pesto sauce evenly across the top of each chicken breast, ensuring full coverage to infuse flavor.
3. Add cheese: Sprinkle a mix of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the pesto on each chicken breast.
4. Bake the chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The cheese should be melted and lightly golden.
5. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures a moist, flavorful dish.

Notes

• You can use store-bought or homemade pesto depending on preference.
• Feel free to substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like provolone or fontina.
• For a crispier topping, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or over a bed of cooked pasta for a complete meal.

Keywords: baked pesto chicken, chicken breast recipe, easy chicken dinner, Italian chicken, pesto chicken bake