Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This baked pesto chicken recipe is a simple and flavorful dish perfect for easy weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts are infused with aromatic basil pesto and topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a satisfying meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup basil pesto, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Cut each chicken breast lengthwise into 3 strips. Season the strips evenly with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 3: Spray a 9×12-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread ¼ cup of basil pesto evenly over the bottom of the dish.
- Step 4: Arrange the seasoned chicken strips in the baking dish. Top the chicken evenly with the remaining ¼ cup of basil pesto.
- Step 5: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove the foil and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the chicken is cooked through. For a browned cheese top, broil for 2–3 minutes if desired.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use homemade or store-bought basil pesto depending on your preference and time.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before baking.
- Substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese for a different melted cheese experience.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or over cooked pasta for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover baked pesto chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To keep the cheese from drying out, you can cover the dish with foil while reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. Adjust the cooking time as needed, since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
This dish can be frozen either before baking or after cooking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
A simple and delicious baked pesto chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts layered with fragrant basil pesto and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for an easy, satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pesto and Cheese
- ½ cup basil pesto, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare the chicken: Slice each chicken breast lengthwise into 3 strips. Season all strips evenly with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Prepare the baking dish: Lightly spray a 9×12-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread ¼ cup of basil pesto evenly across the bottom of the dish for a flavorful base.
- Add chicken and pesto: Arrange the seasoned chicken strips over the pesto in the baking dish. Spread the remaining ¼ cup of basil pesto evenly over the chicken strips for an added layer of flavor.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This cooking time allows the chicken to cook thoroughly and the flavors to meld.
- Add cheese and bake uncovered: Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the chicken is fully cooked. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese crust.
- Serve the dish: Remove from the oven and serve hot as an easy, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use fresh basil pesto for best flavor or store-bought if short on time.
- Broiling at the end is optional but adds a nice browned cheese topping.
- Chicken strips cook faster and more evenly than whole breasts in this recipe.
- Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: baked pesto chicken, easy dinner recipe, mozzarella chicken, basil pesto chicken, healthy chicken dinner
