If you’re craving a dish that feels both comforting and impressively gourmet without hours of fuss, this Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts perfectly seasoned, generously slathered with vibrant basil pesto, and topped with a melty blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This recipe is a celebration of fresh Italian flavors baked to bubbly perfection, creating a meal that’s bursting with color, aroma, and deliciousness. It’s incredibly simple yet absolutely satisfying — perfect for weeknight dinners or a casual weekend treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role. From the fragrant basil pesto that infuses the chicken with herbal goodness, to the cheese that adds creamy, savory richness, every element is essential to the texture and flavor balance.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, these provide a juicy and tender base that soaks up the pesto flavor beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavors without overpowering the freshness of the pesto.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and a hint of spice to the dish.
- 1/2 cup basil pesto: The heart of the recipe; homemade or store-bought pesto imparts an aromatic herby punch.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings gooey, melty texture with a mild dairy richness that pairs perfectly with the pesto.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty depth that elevates the overall cheesiness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to grease the baking dish, preventing sticking and adding a subtle richness.
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, colorful touch that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is just right for cooking the chicken through while getting that beautiful golden bubbly cheese on top. Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil so your chicken won’t stick and the edges get delightfully crisp.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Next, season each chicken breast with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and lays the perfect foundation for the pesto to shine.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken with Pesto
Spread about 2 tablespoons of basil pesto over the top of each chicken breast. Make sure to cover evenly to infuse every bite with that fresh and herbaceous flavor that pesto is famous for.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously on top of the pesto layer, followed by a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese. These cheeses melt beautifully during baking, creating a deliciously creamy and savory topping that complements the chicken superbly.
Step 5: Bake and Rest
Bake the assembled chicken for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and juices run clear. The cheese will be melted and bubbling golden in spots. Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes — this little pause helps the juices redistribute, making each bite perfectly juicy.
How to Serve Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the ideal garnish, adding a pop of vibrant green and a fragrant herbal note that ties the entire dish together visually and flavorfully. You could also add a light drizzle of extra pesto for guests who want an extra punch.
Side Dishes
This Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with hearty sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery garlic pasta, or even a fresh, crisp garden salad. Rice or roasted vegetables also work beautifully, offering texture contrasts and complementing the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Think about placing the chicken on a bed of sautéed spinach or quinoa for a colorful, nutritious plate. Serving family-style with a big bowl of mixed greens and lemon wedges allows everyone to customize their meal. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts over the top adds extra crunch and an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cheese-covered side up to prevent sticking and preserve that delicious cheesy topping.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken breasts wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain moisture and melt the cheese back to deliciously gooey. Microwaving works but may affect the texture slightly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and can add even more juiciness and flavor to this Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe.
Is homemade pesto better than store-bought?
Homemade pesto offers a fresher and more vibrant flavor, but good-quality store-bought pesto is a convenient and tasty option that works perfectly in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, to make a dairy-free version, simply skip the cheese or use dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan alternatives.
What if I want to prepare the dish in advance?
You can assemble the chicken with pesto and cheese a few hours ahead and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the juices run clear. The cheese should be melted and bubbly on top.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fuss-free recipe that brings together vibrant pesto, melty cheese, and tender chicken in a way that feels special every single time, this Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. It’s comforting, colorful, and delicious, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a delightful treat just for yourself. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your cooking repertoire!
Print
Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This delicious Baked Pesto Chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts with flavorful basil pesto and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a quick and easy Italian-inspired main course. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s naturally gluten-free and pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a fresh side salad.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pesto and Cheese
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper on both sides, then arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
- Apply pesto: Spread about 2 tablespoons of basil pesto evenly over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring thorough coverage for rich flavor.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the pesto-coated chicken breasts for a gooey, melty topping.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly with slight golden spots.
- Rest and garnish: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving; garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired to add a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.
Notes
- Use homemade or store-bought pesto based on your preference or availability.
- Serve this dish alongside pasta, rice, or a fresh side salad to complete your meal.
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in pesto for 30 minutes prior to baking.
