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Baked Pesto Chicken 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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