Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Baked Pesto Chicken is the ultimate no-fuss dinner that delivers big on flavor. The pesto, made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese, perfectly complements the chicken, keeping it moist and tender while infusing it with a rich, herby taste. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick bake in the oven, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s a great choice for busy nights when you want something flavorful but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
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Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
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Prepare the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
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Add the pesto: Spread a generous amount of pesto on top of each chicken breast, making sure it’s evenly coated.
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Add cheese (optional): If you’re using mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, sprinkle them over the top of the pesto-coated chicken breasts for a cheesy, golden finish.
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Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be cooked through and the pesto slightly bubbly and golden.
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Serve: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
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Enjoy: Serve your Easy Baked Pesto Chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, a side salad, or pasta.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
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Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
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Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a slightly juicier, more flavorful option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
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Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to use gluten-free pesto if you’re purchasing it.
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Spicy Pesto: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto for a little heat, or use a spicy pesto variant like sun-dried tomato pesto.
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Add Veggies: You can add some vegetables to the baking dish, such as cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers, to make it a one-pan meal.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover baked pesto chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, but it may not keep the cheese as melty.
Conclusion
Easy Baked Pesto Chicken is a simple, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With minimal ingredients and just a quick bake, you can have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time. The pesto gives the chicken a wonderful herby flavor, and the optional cheese topping adds a nice melty, golden finish. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a family, this easy baked dish will quickly become a favorite!
Easy Baked Pesto Chicken
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Easy Baked Pesto Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with vibrant pesto, creating a tender and aromatic meal. The pesto enhances the chicken’s flavor, making it an easy and quick option for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Spread a generous amount of pesto on top of each chicken breast, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- If using mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, sprinkle them over the pesto-coated chicken for a cheesy, golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is cooked through. The pesto should be bubbly and slightly golden.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- Serve your Easy Baked Pesto Chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, a side salad, or pasta.
Notes
For extra flavor, try using homemade pesto or adding lemon zest to the pesto for a citrusy twist.Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.For a spicier variation, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto.To make this dish gluten-free, ensure your pesto is gluten-free and serve with a gluten-free side like rice or quinoa.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
