Name: Easy Pesto Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

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Easy Pesto Chicken is that magical sort of dinner you turn to when you want fresh, bold flavors with hardly any effort. A handful of wholesome ingredients join forces here—juicy chicken, vibrant basil pesto, sweet cherry tomatoes, gooey mozzarella—for a dish so delicious, you might just put it on repeat. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight hero or a fuss-free way to impress, this Easy Pesto Chicken checks every box: quick, crowd-pleasing, and absolutely full of Italian-inspired goodness.

Easy Pesto Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Easy Pesto Chicken couldn’t be simpler, but don’t underestimate how spectacular they are together. Each one pulls its weight: from the juicy chicken playing canvas for earthy pesto, to those vibrant tomatoes and the golden, melty cheese that finishes everything off with flair.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless is best here—they cook evenly, stay tender, and soak up all that luscious pesto flavor.
Basil Pesto: Go with high-quality store-bought or your favorite homemade; this is what gives the dish its herby punch and irresistible aroma.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, halved cherry tomatoes add little pops of brightness and a gorgeous splash of color.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully over the top, creating that bubbly, golden blanket that everyone loves.
Olive Oil: Just a bit for greasing the dish and giving the chicken a touch of richness.
Salt and Black Pepper: A simple sprinkle brings out the best in every other ingredient—don’t skip this!
Fresh Basil Leaves (optional): For that final flourish of freshness, garnish with basil leaves just before serving.

How to Make Easy Pesto Chicken

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the ideal temperature for locking in juiciness while letting the toppings get golden and bubbly. Grab your favorite baking dish and lightly coat the bottom with olive oil—this helps prevent sticking and gives the chicken a little extra moisture as it bakes.

Step 2: Season Your Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Don’t be shy here—seasoning is essential for making the chicken pop against the pesto and cheese.

Step 3: Add the Pesto

Spread the basil pesto generously over each chicken breast. Be sure to cover the tops fully, right up to the edges. The pesto will seep into the chicken as it bakes, infusing every bite with its herby, garlicky magic.

Step 4: Top with Tomatoes and Cheese

Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes over the pesto-covered chicken, then follow with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella on each piece. The tomatoes roast up sweet and juicy, and the cheese forms that perfect, golden lid.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish onto the middle rack and let your Easy Pesto Chicken roast for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)—juicy and just cooked through, with the cheese melted and bubbling beautifully. If you want a touch more golden color, pop it under the broiler for a minute at the end.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. If you have fresh basil on hand, tear some leaves over the top just before serving. This step gives your Easy Pesto Chicken a burst of garden-fresh aroma and an extra touch of Italian charm.

How to Serve Easy Pesto Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly torn basil leaves or a light dusting of grated Parmesan can take your Easy Pesto Chicken from wonderful to spectacular. You could also crack a bit more black pepper on top or drizzle with a hint more olive oil for a little extra shine and richness.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a tangle of pasta, creamy risotto, roasted vegetables, or even a crisp green salad. Use the pan juices as a quick sauce for your sides—they’re packed with flavor you don’t want to waste!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the chicken and serve it over toasted ciabatta for a hearty open-faced sandwich, or chop it up and add to a grain bowl with greens and extra veggies. Easy Pesto Chicken also makes a vibrant addition to a lunchbox or meal-prep bowl for busy days.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Easy Pesto Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or dinners.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Easy Pesto Chicken! Let it cool completely first, then wrap each piece tightly or place in freezer-friendly containers. It’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to two months.

Reheating

Reheat your chicken gently in the oven (covered, at 350°F) or microwave until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight first for even heating and the best taste.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work really well for Easy Pesto Chicken. They stay extra moist and bring a slightly richer flavor—just adjust the baking time as thighs can need a minute or two more to cook through.

Is store-bought pesto okay?

Definitely. A good-quality store-bought pesto can save you precious time, and there are many wonderful brands out there. Of course, if you have homemade on hand, it’ll make your Easy Pesto Chicken even more special.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken in pesto up to a day in advance. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble with tomatoes and cheese and pop it in the oven—so easy for prepping ahead.

What are some dairy-free options?

Swap the mozzarella for your favorite dairy-free cheese or simply leave it off for a lighter take. Also check that your pesto is dairy-free (many store-bought versions contain cheese).

How do I ensure juicy chicken?

Don’t overbake! Check for doneness at 25 minutes—if the chicken reaches 165°F and the juices run clear, it’s ready. Rest it for a few minutes before serving to let the juices settle and keep every bite succulent.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fast and flavorful, Easy Pesto Chicken is pure weeknight bliss. Once you try it, you’ll see how easily it turns simple ingredients into something much more than the sum of their parts. Give it a go and let it work its Italian-inspired magic in your kitchen tonight!

Easy Pesto Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Pesto Chicken recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in basil pesto, topped with cherry tomatoes and melted mozzarella cheese, then baked to perfection. Serve this Italian-inspired dish with pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Season chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides and place them in the baking dish.
Add pesto: Spread basil pesto evenly over each chicken breast.
Add toppings: Top with halved cherry tomatoes, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm.