Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
If you’re searching for a dinner that’s as effortless as it is flavor-packed, look no further than Easy Baked Pesto Chicken. This dish is a weeknight wonder, delivering juicy chicken breasts smothered in vibrant basil pesto and gooey cheese—all in just 30 minutes. It’s an Italian-inspired bake that brings together freshness, creaminess, and a pop of color, making every bite irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself, this recipe promises maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Easy Baked Pesto Chicken is how it transforms such simple ingredients into something truly special. Each element plays a crucial role: the chicken is juicy, the pesto brings a burst of herby goodness, and the cheese adds that perfect melty finish.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these cook up tender and soak in all the flavors.
- Salt: Just a sprinkle heightens every other ingredient in the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth that balances the herbs and cheese.
- Basil pesto: Go for store-bought or homemade—either way, it’s the heart of the dish with its rich, aromatic basil flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that stretchy, cheesy top layer everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty kick, enhancing both the mozzarella and pesto.
- Olive oil: A little drizzle keeps everything moist and adds a subtle richness.
- Cherry tomatoes and fresh basil (optional): For a bright, fresh garnish that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Easy Baked Pesto Chicken
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil—this prevents sticking and gives the chicken a touch of extra flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and black pepper. This little step is key for locking in moisture and ensuring every bite is deliciously seasoned.
Step 3: Arrange and Add Pesto
Place your seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of basil pesto onto each piece, spreading it evenly to cover the tops. The pesto will infuse the chicken as it bakes, creating that signature burst of herby flavor.
Step 4: Top with Cheese
Scatter shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan over the pesto-covered chicken. The combination will melt into a golden, bubbly layer that’s hard to resist.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the chicken’s internal temperature should reach 165°F for perfect doneness.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes. Finish with halved cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of fresh basil if you like. Serve hot and enjoy how Easy Baked Pesto Chicken turns an everyday meal into something truly special!
How to Serve Easy Baked Pesto Chicken
Garnishes
A handful of halved cherry tomatoes and a scatter of fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and a burst of freshness to your Easy Baked Pesto Chicken. The tomatoes’ juicy sweetness pairs perfectly with the savory cheese and herby pesto, while basil gives everything a fresh-from-the-garden finish.
Side Dishes
You can keep things classic with a twirl of spaghetti or a scoop of fluffy rice, letting them soak up all those delicious pan juices. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad or roasted veggies makes a wonderful match. No matter what you choose, Easy Baked Pesto Chicken is versatile enough to play well with just about anything on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the chicken and fan it over a bed of creamy risotto for an elegant dinner, or tuck slices into a crusty baguette with arugula for a next-level sandwich. You can even chop leftovers and toss them into a pasta salad for a bright, flavorful lunch. The possibilities with Easy Baked Pesto Chicken are delightfully endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Easy Baked Pesto Chicken, simply let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or quick lunches.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
For the juiciest results, reheat Easy Baked Pesto Chicken in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just use medium power and check often so the cheese doesn’t get rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to stay extra juicy. Just adjust the baking time as needed, since thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
Is homemade pesto better than store-bought?
While homemade pesto brings an unmatched freshness, a good-quality store-bought version still delivers fantastic results. If you have a favorite jarred pesto, don’t hesitate to use it for Easy Baked Pesto Chicken!
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Swap in your favorite dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan-style shreds. The recipe is quite forgiving, so you’ll still get that irresistible melty topping even with plant-based cheese.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The most reliable way is to check with a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F. The cheese will be melted and bubbly, and the juices should run clear when you cut into the chicken.
What’s the best way to marinate the chicken?
For a flavor boost, toss the chicken with a few tablespoons of pesto and let it marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes before assembling the dish. This step is optional but can really deepen the basil taste in your Easy Baked Pesto Chicken.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried Easy Baked Pesto Chicken yet, you’re in for a treat! It’s the kind of recipe that’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough to serve guests. Give it a go and let it earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation—you’ll be amazed by how much deliciousness comes from so little effort.
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Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken recipe offers a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired meal featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with aromatic basil pesto and a melty cheese blend. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines simplicity and deliciousness with minimal prep and bake time.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauces and Cheese
- ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Cherry tomatoes for garnish (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with the olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish, spacing them evenly for uniform cooking.
- Apply Pesto: Spread about 2 tablespoons of basil pesto over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor infusion.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the pesto-covered chicken breasts to create a rich, cheesy topping.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden hue.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and optionally garnish with fresh cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. Serve hot, paired with your choice of pasta, rice, or a fresh side salad.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in pesto for 30 minutes before baking.
- Try using sun-dried tomato pesto as a flavorful twist.
- Add a breadcrumb topping before baking for a crunchy texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
