Baked Pesto Chicken : An Easy, Flavor-Packed Dinner

If you’re searching for a dinner that’s bursting with flavor, quick to prepare, and perfect for weeknights, baked pesto chicken is your go-to. This recipe blends juicy chicken breasts with the herby richness of pesto, resulting in a dish that feels gourmet with minimal effort.

For those who want to explore other Italian-inspired comfort meals, our creamy pesto sauce recipe offers another way to elevate chicken, pasta, and vegetables.

Why You’ll Love Baked Pesto Chicken

This isn’t just another chicken recipe, it’s comfort food with a fresh twist. Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:

• Effortless prep : only 10 minutes before it’s in the oven.
• Restaurant-quality flavor thanks to the vibrant basil pesto.
• Family-friendly : mild enough for kids, flavorful enough for adults.
• Versatile pairing options : works with pasta, salad, or roasted veggies.
• Meal-prep friendly : reheats beautifully without losing moisture.

And if you want to take your poultry skills further, check out our tips on how long for thin chicken breast in the oven to get perfect results every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup fresh basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

How I Make baked pesto chicken

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Spread pesto evenly over each piece.
4. Layer with tomatoes for freshness.
5. Top with cheese, mozzarella first, then Parmesan.
6. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Baked Pesto Chicken

• Use homemade pesto for the most vibrant flavor.
• Avoid overbaking to keep the chicken juicy.
• If you want extra creaminess, drizzle with a little of our creamy pesto sauce after baking.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic butter pasta
• Steamed vegetables
• Fresh salad
• Crusty bread to soak up the pesto juices
• rice: simple, filling and perfect for soaking up extra pesto sauce

For another cheesy, baked chicken option, try the chicken eggplant parmesan recipe , it’s a heartier cousin to this dish.

Baked Pesto Chicken Variations

• Pesto Cream Sauce : Mix pesto with heavy cream before spreading.
• Keto-Friendly : Serve with zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
• Caprese Style : Add fresh mozzarella slices and drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate : Store in an airtight container for 3 days.
• Freeze : Up to 2 months cooked.
• Reheat ; Oven at 350°F until warmed through.

FAQs About Baked Pesto Chicken

Final Thoughts

Baked pesto chicken is proof that simple ingredients can deliver restaurant-worthy flavor at home. With its fresh herbal notes, melted cheese topping, and tender, juicy chicken, it’s a dish you’ll come back to whenever you need a quick yet impressive meal.

Whether you’re serving it with pasta, a crisp salad, or roasted vegetables, this recipe offers versatility and comfort in every bite. Make it once, and it might just become your go-to chicken dinner.

Baked Pesto Chicken : An Easy, Flavor-Packed Dinner

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• Author: MERIEM
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Tender baked pesto chicken topped with golden melted cheese, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil flavor. Quick to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup fresh basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil
Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides
Spread pesto evenly over each chicken breast
Layer sliced tomatoes over the pesto
Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
Rest for 5 minutes before serving

Notes

For extra creaminess, drizzle with additional pesto or a pesto cream sauce after baking
Pairs perfectly with rice, pasta, salad, or crusty bread
Use homemade pesto for the freshest flavor

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 42g
• Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: baked pesto chicken, chicken pesto bake, oven baked pesto chicken, baked chicken with pesto, chicken pesto bake recipe