Description
This Baked Pesto Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts topped with flavorful basil pesto and a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to perfection and optionally broiled for a golden, bubbly finish, this Italian-inspired main course is quick to prepare and perfect for an easy dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pesto and Cheese
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
- Cherry tomatoes (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, making sure they are spaced evenly for even cooking.
- Spread Pesto: Spread approximately 2 tablespoons of basil pesto over the top of each chicken breast, covering the surface evenly to infuse rich herbal flavor.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pesto layer, then top each with grated Parmesan cheese to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for Golden Top (Optional): For an extra golden and bubbly cheese topping, broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy results.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the chicken breasts with fresh basil leaves, and serve alongside roasted vegetables, pasta, or a fresh salad. Optionally, add cherry tomatoes for a colorful side.
Notes
- You can substitute boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a slightly juicier texture.
- For more intense flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in pesto for 30 minutes before baking.
- This recipe is ideal for meal prepping; simply store portions in airtight containers and reheat as needed.
