Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 150 reviews
  • Author: Gabriel
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken evenly.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://gabriellangdon.com/baked-pesto-chicken-recipe/