If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with fresh Italian-inspired flavor but requires minimal effort, Baked Pesto Chicken is about to become your go-to recipe. Just imagine juicy chicken breasts coated in vibrant basil pesto, crowned with gooey mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan, all baked to perfection alongside sweet, blistered cherry tomatoes. This easy weeknight dinner hits every comfort note and, the best part, you only need a handful of simple ingredients to bring this stunner to your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Baked Pesto Chicken lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is carefully chosen to bring bold flavor, melty texture, and a pop of color to every bite. Here’s what you’ll need, with a little tip or note for each:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Juicy, tender chicken is the perfect backdrop for all those amazing toppings.
- Basil Pesto (store-bought or homemade): The hero ingredient—fragrant, herby, and clings beautifully to the chicken.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into that ultimate cheesy blanket, bubbling on top of each piece.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami-rich layer that takes things over the top.
- Cherry Tomatoes, halved: These roast up sweet and juicy, adding color and freshness to every forkful.
- Olive Oil: Just a drizzle helps the tomatoes caramelize and prevents sticking.
- Salt: A pinch to season and highlight all the bright, savory flavors.
- Black Pepper: For a gentle kick that balances all the richness.
- Fresh Basil for Garnish (optional): A shower of torn basil adds a hint of luxury and brings out the pesto even more.
How to Make Baked Pesto Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Give your baking dish a light greasing with olive oil or non-stick spray. This little step ensures effortless cleanup and keeps all that gorgeous cheese and pesto from sticking behind.
Step 2: Arrange and Season the Chicken
Lay your chicken breasts snugly in a single layer in the baking dish. Sprinkle each side with salt and black pepper—this enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and makes every bite more delicious.
Step 3: Slather on the Pesto
Spread about 2 tablespoons of basil pesto over each chicken breast. Really get in there, coating the top of the chicken so that every inch gets a hit of that green goodness. The pesto seeps into the meat as it bakes, infusing it with flavor.
Step 4: Cheese, Please!
Generously pile the shredded mozzarella on top of each pesto schmear. Then, finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a delightfully nutty and salty finish. The combination bubbles and browns in the oven, making a tempting cheesy crust.
Step 5: Add the Tomatoes
In a small bowl, toss your halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil and a bit of salt. Then, scatter them all around the chicken in the dish. These roast into little juicy explosions that complement the richness of the cheese and pesto.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking dish, uncovered, into your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature), and the cheese is melted and golden. By now, your kitchen should smell absolutely incredible!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top right before serving. Not only does this brighten the dish visually, but it also gives a lovely aromatic finish that signals absolute freshness. Enjoy your Baked Pesto Chicken while it’s hot and bubbly!
How to Serve Baked Pesto Chicken
Garnishes
For that final, fragrant touch, scatter torn fresh basil leaves over the warm chicken just before serving. If you want to get a little fancy, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil or even a handful of toasted pine nuts adds elegance and crunch to this already-impressive meal.
Side Dishes
Baked Pesto Chicken welcomes all sorts of partners. Serve it with simple buttered pasta or a piping hot bowl of rice to soak up that cheesy, herby sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini are also fantastic for keeping things light and fresh. Even a crisp green salad will balance the richness and create a wholesome plate.
Creative Ways to Present
This is a dream for family-style dinners, but you can easily make Baked Pesto Chicken the star of a chic dinner party. Try slicing the chicken and fan it out over a bed of greens or pasta. Or, make little individual casseroles for a cute and personal touch. However you serve it, those melted cheese strings and bursts of tomato are always show-stoppers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers? Lucky you! Transfer your cooled Baked Pesto Chicken, along with the roasted tomatoes and juices, into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for meal prepping lunches or an effortless weeknight repeat.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze some for later, simply wrap individual chicken portions tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
Reheat Baked Pesto Chicken gently in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent the cheese from burning. About 15 to 20 minutes usually does the trick. If microwaving, use a lower power setting and cover to keep everything moist. The flavors hold up beautifully!
Baked Pesto Chicken FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic swap for an even juicier Baked Pesto Chicken. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for their slightly thicker size.
Is it better to use store-bought or homemade pesto?
Both work wonderfully. Store-bought pesto is convenient and gets dinner going fast, while homemade pesto brings fresh, custom flavor if you have the time. Either way, your Baked Pesto Chicken will be delicious!
Can I add vegetables directly into the baking dish?
Definitely! Besides cherry tomatoes, try adding sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or baby spinach alongside your chicken to make it a true one-pan meal bursting with color and nutrients.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The easiest way is to use a meat thermometer—your chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The cheese should be melted and golden, and the juices from the chicken should run clear.
Can I make Baked Pesto Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Assemble everything in your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate up to a day in advance. When ready, bake as directed—adding just a couple extra minutes to the cook time if it’s straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
Seriously, give Baked Pesto Chicken a try the next time you want something easy yet completely irresistible. There’s so much flavor in every forkful, and the gooey cheese, juicy tomatoes, and luscious pesto make it unforgettable. I hope you love this recipe as much as my family and friends do—let me know how it turns out!
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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 combines the richness of basil pesto with gooey melted cheese and juicy cherry tomatoes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Pesto and Cheese Topping:
- ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a baking dish. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Add Pesto and Cheese: Spread 2 tablespoons of pesto on each chicken breast. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Prepare Tomatoes: Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil and place around the chicken.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Serve with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Try with boneless thighs or stuffed with pesto for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
