Easy 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
Scale
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
Find it online: https://cookwithyana.com/easy-baked-pesto-chicken-recipe/
