Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Easy Baked Pesto Chicken is a flavorful and simple dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts are topped with vibrant pesto and melted mozzarella, creating a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- ½ cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Step 3: Spread a generous layer of pesto sauce over the top of each chicken breast.
- Step 4: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Step 5: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast.
- Step 6: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or sliced olives under the pesto layer.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier, more authentic texture.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad to complete the meal.
Storage
Store leftover baked pesto chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warm, being careful not to overcook and dry out the chicken.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well. Adjust the baking time to around 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Is store-bought pesto okay to use?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto saves time and still delivers great flavor. Feel free to use homemade pesto if you have it on hand for a fresher taste.
PrintEasy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts smothered in flavorful pesto sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a simple, quick, and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, combining fresh basil pesto with juicy baked chicken for a delightful Italian-inspired dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Sauce and Topping
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Apply Pesto: Spread about 2 tablespoons of pesto sauce over the top side of each chicken breast, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor infusion.
- Bake Chicken: Place the pesto-coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and registers 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Add Cheese: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each chicken breast.
- Melt Cheese: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly with a slight golden brown finish.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade pesto for convenience and freshness.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or garlic powder before baking.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make it gluten-free, confirm that your pesto sauce does not contain gluten-containing ingredients.
Keywords: baked pesto chicken, easy chicken recipe, mozzarella chicken, Italian baked chicken, pesto chicken breasts
