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
Scale
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
