Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving a crowd-pleasing, quick weeknight meal bursting with bold flavors and cheesy goodness, Easy Baked Pesto Chicken is about to become your new go-to. Tender strips of chicken are bathed in vibrant basil pesto, layered with melty mozzarella, and baked until bubbly and golden. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you create a comforting dish with the kind of Italian-inspired flair that transforms ordinary dinners into something special—all with minimal effort!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk simplicity: every ingredient in this Easy Baked Pesto Chicken recipe brings something important to the table, from succulence and savor to that gooey, craveable finish. Here’s what you need and why you’ll love each part:
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for absorbing all the flavors and stay wonderfully juicy when baked.
- Kosher salt: Just a sprinkle enhances all the savory notes and ensures your chicken is perfectly seasoned from the inside out.
- Black pepper: Adds a touch of gentle heat and balances the richness of the pesto and cheese.
- Basil pesto: The star of the show! This herby sauce gives the dish its distinctive aroma, vibrant color, and lovely garlicky punch.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible melty topping that bubbles and browns to perfection every time.
How to Make Easy Baked Pesto Chicken
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
First things first: preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Give your 9×12 baking dish a generous misting with cooking spray, so nothing sticks and cleanup stays easy-breezy. This simple step ensures that every bite lifts out easily and keeps the juicy pan juices right where you want them!
Step 2: Slice Chicken and Season
Take each chicken breast and slice it lengthwise into three even strips. This gives you tender, perfectly portioned pieces that cook faster and soak up all the delicious flavors. Sprinkle the strips all over with kosher salt and black pepper to set the foundation for those classic savory vibes.
Step 3: Layer Pesto and Chicken
Spread half (about 1/4 cup) of your vibrant basil pesto across the bottom of your baking dish. This forms a flavorful bed for the chicken, adding a gorgeous color and aromatic base. Nestle your seasoned chicken strips on top, then spoon the remaining pesto over everything, making sure every piece gets cozy with that green goodness.
Step 4: Bake Covered, Then Add Cheese
Cover your dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes—this lets the chicken steam gently, staying juicy while soaking in all that pesto. Then, uncover the dish and generously sprinkle the mozzarella over the top. Slide it back in, uncovered, for another 5 minutes so the cheese melts into gooey perfection.
Step 5: Optional Broil for Golden Goodness
If you’re a fan of browned, bubbly cheese (who isn’t?), give the dish an extra 2–3 minutes under the broiler. Watch it closely: you’re looking for lightly golden, irresistible cheesy spots. Serve your Easy Baked Pesto Chicken hot, spooning over those glorious pan juices for even more flavor!
How to Serve Easy Baked Pesto Chicken
Garnishes
A finishing touch can bring out extra color and freshness. Scatter some torn basil leaves on top to echo the pesto, or sprinkle with a bit of grated Parmesan for a savory flourish. A hint of black pepper or even a squeeze of lemon brightens the plate, making the whole dish pop at the table.
Side Dishes
Easy Baked Pesto Chicken is super versatile and pairs beautifully with classic sides. Pile it next to a fluffy mound of buttered pasta or a simple risotto to absorb all those savory juices. For a lighter touch, opt for a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed green beans to round out your meal with color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to change things up? Slice the chicken and toss it with warm pasta, or serve over toasted garlic bread for a hearty open-faced sandwich. You can even dice leftovers and roll them into tortillas with greens for a pesto chicken wrap, making lunchtime truly exciting the next day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the chicken cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
Want to prep Easy Baked Pesto Chicken in advance? Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly or place in a freezer-safe container. It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. This makes it a lifesaver for busy nights or meal prep magic.
Reheating
To bring the dish back to its just-baked glory, reheat gently in the oven at 325 degrees F, covered with foil so it doesn’t dry out. A quick zap in the microwave works for single portions, but be sure to spoon over some of the pesto juices to keep everything moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work perfectly and stay wonderfully juicy. Just ensure they’re cooked through—since thighs are a bit fattier, they add even more richness to your Easy Baked Pesto Chicken.
What kind of pesto is best for this recipe?
Classic basil pesto brings that beautifully herby, garlicky flavor everyone loves, but feel free to swap in your favorite store-bought or homemade version. Sun-dried tomato pesto or even arugula pesto adds a fun twist!
Can I make Easy Baked Pesto Chicken dairy-free?
Of course! Simply use a dairy-free mozzarella alternative and double-check your pesto to ensure it’s made without cheese. The dish will still be vibrant and satisfying.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F and the juices run clear. Cutting the strips smaller helps ensure even, thorough cooking every time.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, Easy Baked Pesto Chicken is naturally gluten-free, as long as your pesto doesn’t contain breadcrumbs or other gluten ingredients. Always check labels to be sure!
Final Thoughts
Ready to make dinner truly easy, flavorful, and memorable? Give Easy Baked Pesto Chicken a spot on your weekly menu—you’ll be amazed at how little effort delivers such big, family-pleasing results. I can’t wait for you to enjoy every delicious bite!
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Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken recipe is a simple and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and baked with basil pesto and gooey mozzarella cheese for a delicious meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 (6-7 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Cut and Season Chicken: Cut each chicken breast lengthwise into 3 pieces. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9×12 baking dish with cooking spray. Spread 1/4 cup of pesto over the bottom of the dish.
- Assemble Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the dish and top with the remaining 1/4 cup of basil pesto.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375 degrees F for 25 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Uncover the dish, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and chicken is cooked through.
- Broil (Optional): If desired, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
- Serve: Serve the pesto chicken hot, drizzled with extra juices from the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with pesto and cheese
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Baked Pesto Chicken, Chicken Recipe, Easy Dinner Recipe
