Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This baked pesto chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken strips are coated in basil pesto and topped with melted mozzarella cheese, creating a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
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 salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Lightly 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 dish and spread the remaining ¼ cup pesto over them.
- Step 5: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top, and bake uncovered for another 5 minutes, until the cheese melts and the chicken is fully cooked. For a browned top, broil for 2–3 minutes if desired.
- Step 7: Serve hot, spooning extra juices from the dish over the chicken.
Tips & Variations
- Cut chicken strips evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Use store-bought pesto for convenience or make your own for a fresher flavor.
- Swap mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese for a different taste.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or a fresh side salad to round out the meal.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through, taking care not to overcook the chicken and dry it out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the mozzarella cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free alternative that melts well.
Print
Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
This Baked Pesto Chicken recipe is a quick and easy dinner option featuring tender chicken breasts layered with fragrant basil pesto and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
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 get it ready for baking the chicken.
- Prepare the chicken: Cut each boneless, skinless chicken breast lengthwise into 3 strips to ensure even cooking. Season all the chicken strips evenly with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Prepare the baking dish: Spray a 9×12-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread ¼ cup of basil pesto evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add chicken and pesto: Arrange the seasoned chicken strips in the prepared baking dish over the pesto base. Then, spread the remaining ¼ cup basil pesto evenly over the top of the chicken.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and absorb the pesto flavors.
- Add cheese and bake uncovered: Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken, then return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden, browned top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes if desired.
- Serve the dish: Serve the pesto chicken hot, spooning any extra juices from the bottom of the baking dish over each serving for added flavor.
Notes
- Ensure that the chicken breasts are cut evenly into strips to guarantee uniform cooking.
- You can use store-bought basil pesto or make your own fresh pesto for enhanced flavor.
- Try substituting mozzarella cheese with provolone or fontina cheese for a different taste experience.
- This dish pairs well with sides like pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad to round out your meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: baked pesto chicken, easy chicken dinner, basil pesto chicken, mozzarella chicken bake, simple Italian chicken recipe
