Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Baked Pesto Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken and rich, aromatic pesto. It’s a quick dinner option perfect for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup pesto sauce
- ½ cup shredded cheese (such as mozzarella or Parmesan)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts on a baking dish.
- Step 2: Spread a generous amount of pesto evenly over each chicken breast.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the pesto-covered chicken.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in pesto for 30 minutes before baking.
- Try using different cheeses like goat cheese or provolone for varied tastes.
- Add cherry tomatoes or sliced mushrooms to the baking dish for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover baked pesto chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through to maintain the texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken before baking to ensure even cooking and safe internal temperature.
What type of pesto should I use?
Traditional basil pesto works best, but you can also use sun-dried tomato pesto or other varieties to suit your taste.
PrintBaked Pesto Chicken Recipe
Baked Pesto Chicken is a simple and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with vibrant basil pesto and melted cheese. This easy, wholesome recipe combines fresh ingredients and minimal prep time to deliver a delicious meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
Pesto
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
Cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking of the chicken.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish. Pat them dry with paper towels for better pesto adhesion.
- Top with Pesto: Generously spread about 2 tablespoons of basil pesto on each chicken breast, covering the top evenly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle a mixture of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over each pesto-topped chicken breast.
- Bake: Bake the prepared chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving, letting juices redistribute for optimal flavor and tenderness.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely but remains juicy.
- If using homemade pesto, adjust the salt according to your taste preference.
- To add extra flavor, season the chicken with salt and pepper before spreading pesto.
- For a crispier top, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking but watch closely to avoid burning.
- This dish pairs well with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Keywords: baked pesto chicken, Italian chicken recipe, easy baked chicken, pesto chicken bake, healthy chicken dinner
