If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors yet incredibly straightforward, this Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Tender chicken breasts coated with fragrant basil pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes that roast to perfection, and a golden blanket of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese come together to create a meal that’s as comforting as it is impressive. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with friends, this recipe brings Italian-inspired delight with minimal effort and irresistible taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe lies in its simple and fresh ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to bring color, texture, and flavor to your plate without overwhelming your pantry. From the aromatic basil pesto that livens up the chicken to the juicy burst of cherry tomatoes and the creamy, melty cheeses, every component plays a starring role in making this dish shine.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that bakes up tender and juicy.
- ½ cup basil pesto: Choose your favorite store-bought variety or homemade for that herbaceous punch.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: These add sweetness and a pop of vibrant color to the dish.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates a luscious, melty topping that makes every bite irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, savory depth that complements the pesto beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors harmoniously.
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, aromatic finish that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
How to Make Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly greasing a baking dish to keep things from sticking. Lay out your chicken breasts in a single layer to ensure even cooking, then season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning is key for flavor foundation in the Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe.
Step 2: Add the Pesto
Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of basil pesto onto each chicken breast and spread it evenly across the top. This step infuses the chicken with the essential herbaceous and slightly nutty notes that only a good pesto can deliver. It’s the soul of this recipe.
Step 3: Arrange Cherry Tomatoes
Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the baking dish. These little bursts of sweetness will soften and roast, balancing the rich pesto and cheese perfectly, while also adding a beautiful splash of color.
Step 4: Bake Until Nearly Cooked
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of about 160°F. This step allows the chicken to cook through while maintaining juiciness and the tomatoes to begin softening.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the dish and sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over each chicken breast. Return to the oven for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, golden in places, and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. This final melt seals in flavor and adds irresistible creaminess.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
If you like, garnish your Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe with fresh basil leaves for a burst of fresh aroma and an extra touch of green color, making your dish look just as delicious as it tastes.
How to Serve Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the perfect garnish to enhance the pesto’s herbal brightness. You might also add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors even more. Little touches like these elevate the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This chicken masterpiece pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Creamy risotto, tender pasta tossed in olive oil or garlic, or roasted vegetables bring textural contrast and round out your meal effortlessly. Even a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements this dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this chicken on a rustic wooden board with fresh herb sprigs for a casual, family-style feel. Or plate each breast on a bed of sautéed greens and scatter colorful edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant presentation that’ll impress any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days — perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
To freeze your Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe, allow the chicken to cool completely, then place it in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When thawed, the texture and flavors remain impressive, ready for a convenient reheat.
Reheating
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through to maintain the best texture and flavor. Microwaving works too, but the oven keeps the cheese melty and the chicken juicy without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and stay tender even a little longer in the oven. Just adjust the cooking time to about 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Is it better to use homemade or store-bought pesto?
Either works well here! Homemade pesto often has a fresher, brighter flavor, but a good-quality store-bought pesto saves time without sacrificing taste, making this recipe even easier to prepare.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you double-check your pesto’s ingredients and choose gluten-free cheese varieties, which most are.
What can I do if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?
You can substitute with grape tomatoes, sliced Roma tomatoes, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense, concentrated flavor that pairs beautifully with pesto.
How can I make this dish more colorful?
Adding a variety of colorful veggies like sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or olives around the chicken before baking can brighten the plate and add new layers of flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe offers a delightful balance of fresh, savory, and melty goodness that’s sure to become a favorite in your weeknight rotation. It’s simple enough to make any night, yet impressive enough for sharing with friends and family. Grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a cozy, flavorful meal that’s as satisfying as it is beautiful!
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Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts smothered in flavorful basil pesto, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and baked to perfection with juicy cherry tomatoes. A simple yet delicious Italian-American main course perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pesto
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and place the chicken breasts in a single layer.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Apply Pesto: Spread 2 tablespoons of basil pesto evenly over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the baking dish to roast alongside and add a burst of freshness.
- Bake Initially: Bake the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes, until it is nearly cooked through and the internal temperature reads about 160°F (71°C).
- Add Cheese: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over each chicken breast.
- Finish Baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve the baked pesto chicken hot, paired with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Pairs well with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Try variations using sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto for different flavor profiles.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted; adjust baking time accordingly to ensure thorough cooking.
