Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a recipe that instantly transforms dinner from ordinary to extraordinary, Baked Pesto Chicken checks all the boxes. Tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in vibrant basil pesto, bubbling with gooey mozzarella and nutty Parmesan, all baked to golden perfection—this dish is comfort food elegance made incredibly easy. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or entertaining friends with Italian flair, Baked Pesto Chicken is the flavorful, effortless main course you’ll crave over and over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Baked Pesto Chicken lies in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients, each one bringing a delicious layer to the party. Choose the best you can find, because every flavor shines in this recipe!
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a hearty, lean base that soaks up every bit of the garlicky pesto and melty cheese.
- Basil Pesto: Homemade pesto is always a treat, but your favorite store-bought jar works beautifully for bold, herbaceous flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella delivers that signature stretchiness and indulgent creaminess over each bite.
- Parmesan Cheese: This salty, nutty layer balances the richness of the dish and crisps lightly as it bakes.
- Olive Oil: A little drizzle ensures the chicken stays juicy and helps the pesto flavor infuse into the meat.
- Garlic Powder: Just a sprinkle deepens the savory notes and complements the pesto’s kick.
- Salt: Enhances all the ingredients and brings out their best flavors.
- Black Pepper: Lends a gentle heat and earthiness that ties the dish together.
- Fresh Basil Leaves (optional): A few leaves make your finished casserole look restaurant-worthy and add a hint of freshness.
How to Make Baked Pesto Chicken
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Set the scene for crispy, cheesy baked perfection by preheating your oven to 400°F. Give your favorite baking dish a quick mist with non-stick spray or a light swipe of olive oil—this simple step guarantees easy cleanup and keeps your chicken from sticking, so every last cheesy bite makes it onto your plate!
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat each chicken breast dry with paper towels—this helps the seasonings and pesto cling to every surface. Sprinkle both sides with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, massaging the spices in so the chicken is layered with flavor even before it hits the oven.
Step 3: Add the Pesto
Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts snugly in your prepared baking dish. Spoon about two tablespoons of pesto onto each piece, spreading it right to the edges. Don’t be shy—let that bright, garlicky sauce coat every nook and cranny! Finish with a quick drizzle of olive oil over the top for extra juiciness.
Step 4: Bake Until Juicy
Slide the dish onto the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake the chicken uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, just until it’s almost cooked through. This initial round of baking infuses the chicken with herby, garlicky goodness and locks in tons of moisture.
Step 5: Layer on the Cheeses
Take the chicken out and give each piece a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and a dusting of Parmesan. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling cloak and the chicken is perfectly cooked (165°F internal temperature). The aroma alone is irresistible!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
For the grand (and delicious) finale, top your finished Baked Pesto Chicken with a few fresh basil leaves. Serve it piping hot, letting that melted cheese pull and pesto perfume tempt everyone to the table.
How to Serve Baked Pesto Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkling of fresh basil leaves is the perfect finishing touch, adding a pop of green color and that signature herbal fragrance. For a little extra flair, a twist of freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can take things to the next level. If you really want to dazzle, scatter a few pine nuts or toasted breadcrumbs for crunch!
Side Dishes
Baked Pesto Chicken is just begging for the right sides to make it a meal. You can’t go wrong with a swirl of al dente spaghetti or a bed of fluffy rice to soak up that cheesy, herby sauce. Crisp roasted vegetables, garlicky green beans, or even a fresh tomato salad pair wonderfully if you’re after something lighter.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation! Slice the chicken and fan it over a platter of lemony asparagus for spring dinners, or cut it into strips and tuck it into toasted ciabatta for a melt-in-your-mouth sandwich. Try layering leftovers over a big salad or even chopping the chicken and tossing it with penne for a cozy casserole twist.
Baked Pesto Chicken: Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, tuck any remaining Baked Pesto Chicken into an airtight container—those cheesy, juicy flavors keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. It’s absolutely delicious reheated for lunch or sliced onto salads and wraps!
Freezing
To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then wrap each piece tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing in a zipper bag. It’ll stay tasty in your freezer for up to two months. For best results, freeze without adding the fresh basil garnish and add it after reheating.
Reheating
Warm your Baked Pesto Chicken gently in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 15 to 20 minutes until hot all the way through. For a quick single serving, the microwave works too—use lower power to keep the chicken moist, and add a sprinkle of extra cheese if you’re feeling decadent!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute, offering even more juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a few minutes longer; always check for 165°F at the thickest part.
Is homemade pesto better for this recipe?
Homemade pesto will give the dish a fresh, vibrant twist, especially if you have basil from your garden. However, a good-quality store-bought pesto will still deliver bold, delicious results with no extra effort.
Can I add vegetables on top before baking?
Definitely! Sliced cherry tomatoes or even thinly sliced zucchini on top add color and juicy sweetness to the Baked Pesto Chicken. Just make sure to keep slices thin so everything cooks evenly.
Is Baked Pesto Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just check your pesto label to make sure it doesn’t contain any hidden gluten, and you’re good to go.
What’s the best way to tell if the chicken is done?
The most foolproof method is using a meat thermometer: once the thickest part of the chicken hits 165°F, you’re set! If you don’t have one, just cut into the center—it should be opaque and the juices should run clear.
Final Thoughts
Every home cook deserves a recipe that looks impressive, tastes amazing, and couldn’t be easier—and Baked Pesto Chicken fits that bill perfectly. Whether you’re a pesto fanatic or just want dinner to be a little more special tonight, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own family favorite.
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Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Pesto Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are coated in basil pesto, topped with a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and baked to golden perfection. Serve this delicious chicken over pasta, rice, or vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pesto Mixture:
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble: Place the seasoned chicken in the baking dish, spread pesto over each piece, and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until nearly cooked through.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the chicken and bake for another 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Try sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor or add sliced tomatoes before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
