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Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 110 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking of the chicken.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish. Pat them dry with paper towels for better pesto adhesion.
  3. Top with Pesto: Generously spread about 2 tablespoons of basil pesto on each chicken breast, covering the top evenly.
  4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle a mixture of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over each pesto-topped chicken breast.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

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