Easy Baked Pesto Chicken
Introduction
Easy Baked Pesto Chicken is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution: juicy, tender chicken breasts baked under a blanket of vibrant pesto and gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s a recipe that blends fresh flavors and minimal effort—ideal for busy home cooks who crave big taste without the fuss.
Whether you’re prepping a family meal or entertaining guests, this dish impresses with its classic Italian appeal and crowd-pleasing, cheesy finish.
Why This Baked Pesto Chicken Works
What makes this recipe a standout is its simplicity and rich flavor profile. The basil pesto seeps into the chicken as it bakes, infusing each bite with herbaceous, garlicky notes. Combined with a hearty sprinkle of melted cheese, every serving is moist, savory, and perfectly seasoned.
You can prepare this dish in minutes with just a handful of ingredients, and it pairs effortlessly with pasta, salads, or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
Tips for Perfect Pesto Chicken
For best results, use even-sized chicken breasts to ensure uniform cooking. A quick pound with a meat mallet will help guarantee each piece stays juicy and tender in the oven. Before spreading on the pesto, pat chicken dry to help the sauce adhere.
Shred mozzarella freshly for ultimate melt—and scatter over the top just before baking for that irresistible golden finish. If you like a little crunch, add a few halved cherry tomatoes or sliced bell peppers alongside your chicken.
For faster prep, use a high-quality Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to quickly dice veggies for a colorful pan addition.
Serving and Storing Baked Pesto Chicken
This pesto chicken is best served hot from the oven, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad—pack your leftovers in a Bentgo Salad Container for an easy, delicious lunch the next day.
If storing, allow chicken to cool completely before sealing in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers. This ensures maximum freshness and flavor for up to 3 days in the fridge. To reheat, simply pop portions in your microwave or air fryer for a quick meal.
For mess-free baking and an easier cleanup, line your baking sheet with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll.
Customizing Your Pesto Chicken
Feel free to swap in other cheeses (like provolone or fontina) or add a tomato sauce drizzle for an Italian-American twist. This recipe is also perfectly suited for chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat or more robust flavor.
Making homemade pesto? A quick blend in a Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender creates a super-smooth, vibrant sauce every time.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken serves 4, with each portion containing approximately 320 calories, 38g protein, 5g carbs, and 16g fat (depending on cheese and pesto brand). It’s a tasty, low-carb option that fits many diets and leaves you satisfied.
Easy Baked Pesto Chicken (Recap)
Bursting with pesto flavor and topped with melty cheese, this no-fuss baked chicken is guaranteed to become a staple on your dinner rotation. It’s easy, flavorful, and universally appealing—making it a winner for family meals or entertaining.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper. For even cooking, lightly pound them to uniform thickness on a Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen.
- Arrange chicken in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Spray with a light layer of olive oil using a YARRAMATE 16oz/470ml Oil Sprayer for Cooking.
- Spoon pesto evenly over each chicken breast, ensuring thorough coverage. Scatter optional sliced veggies (like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers) around the chicken if desired.
- Top each breast with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Check with a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking if needed.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot for best flavor.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
