Savory Twist: Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken Recipe to Love

Chicken breasts dressed in a tantalizing pesto baked chicken recipe burst with irresistible flavors that dance across your palate.

The green herb sauce coats each tender piece with a vibrant, zesty essence.

Golden-brown edges promise a satisfying crunch that beckons you closer to the plate.

Fresh basil and parmesan create a harmonious blend of Mediterranean-inspired goodness.

Simple ingredients combine to elevate an ordinary weeknight dinner into something extraordinary.

Minimal preparation ensures you can whip up this delectable dish in no time.

Savor every bite of this mouthwatering creation that transforms ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes In Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken Recipe

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that creates the main star of the dish, choose fresh, even-sized breasts for consistent cooking.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor, select freshly ground black pepper for maximum aroma.

• Basil Pesto: Vibrant sauce that adds Mediterranean zest, opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought with bright green color and rich herb aroma.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, melty topping that provides luxurious texture, select fresh buffalo mozzarella for best results.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that adds depth and umami, choose authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for authentic flavor.

• Olive Oil: Helps create golden, crispy exterior, select extra virgin olive oil for best quality.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Garnish that brings fresh, herbaceous brightness, choose bright green leaves without any wilting.

Useful Tools For Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken Recipe

• Large baking dish: Perfect for creating this delicious chicken masterpiece.
• Pastry brush: Helps evenly spread olive oil in the baking dish.
• Measuring cups/spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts for the best flavor.
• Sharp knife: Great for slicing chicken and preparing ingredients.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Mixing bowl: Helps combine pesto and cheese for the chicken topping.
• Spoon or spatula: Useful for spreading pesto mixture over chicken.

How To Bake Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken Recipe

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the temperature to a toasty 200C and give your baking dish a quick olive oil massage.

• Layer the Flavor Foundation

Spread a generous blanket of vibrant pesto across the bottom of your baking dish, creating a zesty base for the chicken.

• Nestle the Chicken

Gently place chicken breasts into the pesto-painted dish, making sure each piece gets cozy with the green goodness.

• Crown with Cheese

Sprinkle a luxurious cascade of shredded mozzarella and parmesan over the chicken, creating a golden, melty masterpiece waiting to happen.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it transform for 25-30 minutes. Watch for the chicken to turn a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese to bubble and bronze.

• Rest and Serve

Pull the dish out and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent and packed with flavor.

• Garnish and Enjoy

Optional but recommended: Scatter some fresh basil leaves on top for a final burst of freshness. Serve hot and savor every cheesy, herby bite.

Tips And Mix-Ins For Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken Recipe

• Quick Pesto Coating Trick: Pat chicken breasts completely dry before adding pesto to ensure a crispy, golden exterior and prevent soggy texture.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative for lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare chicken with pesto marinade up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in refrigerator to enhance flavor absorption and save preparation time.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like zucchini, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts instead of traditional carbohydrate sides for a keto-friendly meal option.
• Protein Variety Swap: Can easily substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs, turkey breast, or boneless pork chops while maintaining similar cooking temperature and time for diverse protein preferences.

How To Serve Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken Recipe Right

• Fresh Garden Feast: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette for a light, refreshing complement to the rich chicken.
• Mediterranean Plate Pairing: Accompany the chicken with roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant drizzled with extra virgin olive oil to enhance the pesto's herbal notes.
• Carb Companion: Add a side of garlic roasted baby potatoes or creamy risotto to soak up the delicious pesto and cheese sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
• Wine Harmony: Pair with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the creamy, herbaceous flavors of the chicken dish.

Storing Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken Recipe The Easy Way

• Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftover chicken to airtight containers and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking for maximum freshness.
• Chilled Lifespan: Enjoy refrigerated chicken within 3-4 days, keeping its delicious pesto-cheesy flavor intact and texture pleasant.
• Freezer-Friendly Trick: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe wrap or containers, which can maintain quality for up to 2 months when sealed correctly.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in the oven at 165C (325F) covered with foil to prevent drying, ensuring the pesto and cheese remain creamy and appetizing.

Crispy Pesto Baked Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent cheesy pesto baked chicken delivers Mediterranean flavors in one elegant dish. Simple ingredients combine for a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup (120 g / 4.2 oz) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup (25 g / 0.9 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
• Cherry tomatoes (optional, for baking alongside the chicken)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 200C (400F) and lightly oil a baking dish to prevent chicken from adhering during cooking.
2. Seasoning and Coating: Thoroughly dry chicken breasts, then generously season with salt and black pepper. Spread a uniform layer of pesto sauce across each piece, ensuring complete surface coverage.
3. Cheese Application: Create a luxurious topping by sprinkling a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the pesto-coated chicken, generating a rich and golden crust.
4. Roasting Process: Carefully arrange chicken in the prepared baking dish, maintaining spacing for consistent heat distribution. Roast in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 74C (165F).
5. Resting and Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling juice redistribution. Enhance the presentation by garnishing with fresh basil leaves, adding a vibrant and aromatic final flourish before serving.

Notes

• Perfectly Dry Chicken: Pat chicken breasts thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy and golden exterior during baking.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Let cheese cool slightly after baking to prevent immediate sliding off and create a beautifully structured cheesy topping.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken has reached exactly 74C (165F) for safe, juicy results without overcooking.
• Pesto Selection Matters: Choose a high-quality, fresh pesto with robust basil and olive oil for maximum flavor intensity in the final dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg