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
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
- 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
