If you’re craving a dish that feels both elegant and effortlessly homemade, then this Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Picture tender chicken breasts bathed in the vibrant, herbaceous flavor of fresh basil pesto, topped with gooey melted mozzarella that adds the perfect creamy touch. It’s a simple, flavorful meal that comes together quickly and doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for cozy weeknights or impressing unexpected guests. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it’s a favorite for anyone who loves fresh Italian-inspired flavors with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes the Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe so delightful.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6-7 oz each): The juicy base of our dish that soaks up that wonderful pesto flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken without overpowering it.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a hint of spice to keep things interesting.
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (divided): The star of the show, bringing fresh herby brightness and a touch of richness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts on top to give a deliciously gooey, golden finish you’ll love.
- Cooking spray: To keep your baking dish tidy and prevent sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
How to Make Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature ensures the chicken cooks through gently while allowing the pesto flavors to infuse perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast lengthwise into three strips. This not only helps the chicken cook evenly but also allows every bite to soak up that delicious pesto. Don’t forget to season each piece with kosher salt and black pepper for that essential baseline seasoning.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Spray a 9×12-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then spread half of your basil pesto evenly on the bottom of the dish. This base layer adds moisture and rich flavor beneath the chicken.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Pesto
Arrange the seasoned chicken strips over the pesto layer. Next, slather the remaining pesto on top of the chicken strips, ensuring every piece is beautifully coated. This double layer of pesto is what makes this dish so irresistibly flavorful.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. The foil traps steam, keeping the chicken tender and juicy as it cooks through.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the chicken. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese perfectly. If you like a little golden crust, pop the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, serve your Easy Baked Pesto Chicken hot, spooning any flavorful juices from the baking dish on top for an extra burst of taste. It’s as delightful as it is satisfying.
How to Serve Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or a few cherry tomatoes cut in half can brighten this dish beautifully. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving also adds a silky richness.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs brilliantly with a light green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or perhaps some roasted vegetables. For a more indulgent meal, creamy garlic mashed potatoes or buttery risotto make wonderful companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the pesto chicken over a bed of cooked quinoa or whole wheat pasta to make it a hearty one-dish meal. You can also slice the chicken thin and use it as a topping for flatbreads or even in warm pita pockets with fresh greens.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The pesto and cheese flavors deepen overnight, making it just as delicious when reheated.
Freezing
If you want to save time later, freeze the baked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes or until warmed through to keep the chicken juicy and the cheese nicely melted. Microwaving works in a pinch but can alter the texture slightly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and offer a bit more juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the baking time as thighs may require a few extra minutes to cook through.
Is store-bought pesto okay to use?
Definitely. While homemade pesto can elevate the dish, high-quality store-bought pesto saves time and still delivers fantastic flavor for this easy recipe.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit the mozzarella cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor from the pesto is so strong, you won’t miss the cheese much at all.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The strips should be firm and no longer pink inside when cut.
Can I prepare the dish ahead and bake later?
You can assemble the chicken with pesto in the dish and cover it tightly, then refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed the following day, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it comes straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe is one of those wonderful dishes that brings warmth, comfort, and fresh flavors into your kitchen without any stress. Its vibrant pesto, tender chicken, and melty cheese come together in a way that feels special but is incredibly straightforward. I encourage you to try making it soon—you’ll be amazed how quickly it becomes a family favorite you reach for again and again.
Print
Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts coated in flavorful basil pesto and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection, it’s a simple and delicious dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 (6-7 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pesto & Cheese
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut each chicken breast lengthwise into 3 strips. Season all the chicken strips evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9×12-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread 1/4 cup of the basil pesto over the bottom of the dish to create a flavorful base.
- Assemble Chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken strips in the baking dish over the pesto layer. Then, spread the remaining 1/4 cup of basil pesto evenly on top of the chicken strips.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven at 375°F for 25 minutes to cook the chicken through and infuse flavors.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken, and return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the cheese.
- Serve: Serve the baked pesto chicken hot, spooning extra juices from the bottom of the dish over the chicken for added flavor.
Notes
- For a crispier top, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking.
- Use freshly made pesto if available for more vibrant flavor.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs if preferred but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with a side of rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
