If you’re searching for a dish that combines vibrant, fresh flavors with comforting, melty cheese, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe. It’s a delightful celebration of juicy, tender chicken breasts topped with herbaceous basil pesto and a golden blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this recipe delivers effortless Italian-American charm that feels both fancy and completely doable in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the heart of this dish, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the aromatic basil pesto that infuses the chicken with herbal zest to the creamy cheeses that create a bubbly, golden crust, these components come together to make a stunning, satisfying meal.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that cooks quickly and stays tender when baked properly.
- 1/2 cup basil pesto: Choose store-bought or homemade for a fragrant, bright herbaceous flavor that permeates the chicken.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds a gooey, cheesy layer that melts perfectly and balances the fresh pesto.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty kick and helps develop a beautifully browned crust.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to grease the baking dish and add subtle richness to each bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and pesto.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional): Provides a pop of color and fresh aroma to finish the dish with elegance.
How to Make Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This ensures your chicken will cook evenly and develop a slightly crispy top with bubbling cheese. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and add a touch of richness.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the greased dish and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This foundational seasoning is key for bringing out the best flavor in the chicken itself.
Step 3: Spread the Pesto
Using about two tablespoons of pesto per breast, spread it evenly across the top of each piece. This herbaceous layer is the star of the recipe, infusing the chicken with vibrant basil flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheeses.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella all over the pesto topping, then follow with a generous dusting of grated Parmesan. These cheeses meld during baking, creating a delectably cheesy and golden crust that seals in moisture.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) to ensure it’s safely cooked through while remaining juicy. The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and turning a lovely golden brown.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is out of the oven, add fresh basil leaves on top if you like for a fresh herbal aroma and beautiful presentation. Your Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the classic touch here—they add a burst of color and brighten the dish with their fragrance. You might also consider a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Side Dishes
This baked pesto chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the flavors. Garlic roasted vegetables, creamy risotto, or even a light pasta tossed in olive oil and lemon are fantastic companions that round out the meal without overpowering the delicate pesto taste.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve slices of this baked chicken over a bed of arugula or baby spinach dressed with a lemon vinaigrette. You can also layer it onto toasted ciabatta bread with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella for a rustic open-faced sandwich experience—it’s a wonderful way to reinvent leftovers too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked pesto chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container refrigerated for up to three days. It maintains its flavor and texture well, making it perfect for next-day lunches or a quick dinner base.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken for up to one month by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and placing into a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain juiciness and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps preserve the cheese’s texture and prevents the chicken from drying out. Microwaving is possible but may cause the texture to suffer slightly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option and tend to be even juicier. Just keep in mind they might require a slightly longer baking time depending on thickness to reach the safe internal temperature.
Is homemade pesto better than store-bought for this recipe?
Both work beautifully. Homemade pesto adds a fresher flavor if you have time to prepare it, but quality store-bought pesto can save time and still deliver plenty of taste for a weeknight meal.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can skip the cheese or use dairy-free cheese substitutes. The pesto often contains Parmesan, so look for vegan pesto options or make your own without cheese to keep it dairy-free.
How long can I marinate the chicken in pesto before baking?
Marinating for at least 30 minutes up to a few hours enhances the flavor even more. If you’re short on time, spreading the pesto directly before baking works wonderfully too.
What are some good gluten-free side options for this meal?
Roasted vegetables, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or a fresh leafy salad are all excellent gluten-free sides that complement the baked pesto chicken without overshadowing it.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that quickly becomes a favorite because of its perfect balance of ease, flavor, and comforting textures. Whether you’re new to cooking pesto or a full-fledged basil enthusiast, this recipe invites you to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal that feels special without any fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how simple and rewarding dinner time can be!
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-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Baked Pesto Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make Italian-American main course featuring tender chicken breasts topped with aromatic basil pesto, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this gluten-free and low-carb dish delivers rich, cheesy goodness with simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Toppings
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with the olive oil to prevent sticking and help with browning.
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the greased baking dish. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- Apply pesto: Spread about 2 tablespoons of basil pesto evenly over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Add cheeses: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan evenly over the pesto-covered chicken breasts to create a cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and optionally garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts if preferred—adjust baking time accordingly as thighs may take a bit longer or shorter depending on size.
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in pesto for a few hours before baking to infuse deeper herbaceous notes.
- Serve the baked pesto chicken with your choice of sides like pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
