Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that’s sure to steal the spotlight with minimal effort, you’ll absolutely love Easy Baked Pesto Chicken. Each tender, juicy chicken breast gets smothered in bright green basil pesto and crowned with gooey mozzarella and savory Parmesan, creating a dish that impresses just as much on a casual Tuesday as it does for a special occasion. With only a few ingredients and hardly any prep, even novice cooks will see delicious success, and the fresh basil finish makes it feel just a little fancy. There’s no wonder this easy classic has become go-to comfort food for so many!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This irresistible Easy Baked Pesto Chicken is all about a handful of high-impact ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, bringing out rich flavors, lush textures, and that gorgeous cheesy melt that makes every bite crave-worthy.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for fuss-free prep and fast, even cooking.
- Salt: Just a pinch deepens the flavors and highlights that juicy chicken.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick that balances the richness of the pesto and cheese.
- Basil pesto: Prepared pesto swirls bright herbal flavors (and a splash of color) through every forkful.
- Mozzarella cheese: For that dreamy melt and luscious creamy texture on top.
- Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, nutty flavor that toasts beautifully as it bakes.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): A few leaves as garnish add even more Italian flair and a lovely fresh finish.
How to Make Easy Baked Pesto Chicken
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking—trust me, every bit of that golden cheesy topping is precious!
Step 2: Season and Arrange the Chicken
Lay your chicken breasts flat in the prepared dish. Sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper, making sure each piece gets a touch of seasoning. This simple step is all it takes to draw out their natural flavor.
Step 3: Smother with Pesto
Spoon a generous layer of basil pesto evenly over each chicken breast. The aroma alone will have you counting down the minutes until dinner—herby, garlicky, and oh-so-bright!
Step 4: Top with Cheeses
Now for the fun part: sprinkle mozzarella cheese so it covers each breast, then finish with a shower of grated Parmesan. As it bakes, you’ll get a gloriously cheesy lid that’s impossibly tempting.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden Perfection
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) inside and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes outside the oven so all those juices stay locked in—you’re almost there!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Scatter fresh basil leaves across the top just before serving. This little touch adds a pop of color and a lovely whiff of freshness that makes Easy Baked Pesto Chicken absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Easy Baked Pesto Chicken
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh basil leaves is the classic move, but don’t be afraid to add thinly sliced cherry tomatoes or a drizzle of good olive oil. Both brighten things up and make each plate pop with color.
Side Dishes
This dish loves company! Pair Easy Baked Pesto Chicken with buttery pasta, fluffy rice, or a crisp green salad. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers turn it into a well-rounded meal that’s as comforting as it is vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party twist, slice the chicken and fan it over a bed of pesto pasta or risotto for a restaurant-style presentation. Or, tuck leftovers into a warm sandwich roll with arugula and tomato for a gourmet lunch. The beautiful green and melty cheese make every dish look as good as it tastes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep Easy Baked Pesto Chicken moist and delicious, transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen as they rest, making them perfect for next-day lunches.
Freezing
If you want to save a batch for another busy weeknight, let the chicken cool completely, then wrap each piece individually in foil or plastic wrap before placing in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, and you’ll have a homemade lifesaver ready whenever you need it!
Reheating
For the best results, reheat Easy Baked Pesto Chicken in a 350°F oven, covered, until warmed through and the cheese is melty again (about 15-20 minutes). You can also microwave it in short bursts, but the oven maintains that tempting cheesy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Easy Baked Pesto Chicken?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and add a bit more juiciness. Just adjust your bake time as they may cook a bit faster or slower depending on thickness.
Is homemade pesto necessary, or will store-bought work?
Either is great! Store-bought pesto makes things super convenient, but if you have a favorite homemade version, feel free to use it for an even fresher flavor punch.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Easy Baked Pesto Chicken is naturally gluten-free, just make sure your prepared pesto doesn’t contain any added gluten or wheat-based stabilizers.
Can I assemble this dish ahead of time?
You can absolutely prep Easy Baked Pesto Chicken the night before by seasoning and layering on the pesto and cheese, then cover and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready!
What other cheeses could I use?
If you like experimenting, try provolone, fontina, or a sprinkle of goat cheese for a fun twist. The main idea is to use something that melts nicely and pairs well with basil pesto.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly joyful about having a recipe that’s as easy as it is impressive—Easy Baked Pesto Chicken is exactly that. I hope you give it a try, whether you’re cooking for your family or just treating yourself to a fresh, cheesy dinner. It’s a dish I love coming back to, and I bet you’ll feel the same!
Print
Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with basil pesto and gooey cheeses, baked to perfection. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner option that’s quick to prepare and loved by the whole family.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Season chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place in the baking dish.
- Add pesto: Spread basil pesto evenly over each chicken breast.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted.
- Rest and serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding sliced cherry tomatoes before baking.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
