Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
A simple and flavorful baked pesto chicken recipe that combines tender chicken breasts with aromatic pesto and melted cheese for a quick and delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
Pesto Topping
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully preheat for even cooking.
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
- Apply the pesto: Spread about 2 tablespoons of basil pesto evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the pesto-coated chicken breasts.
- Bake the chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices and flavor.
Notes
- Use store-bought or homemade pesto depending on availability and preference.
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Pair with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking; you can pound them gently if needed.
Keywords: baked pesto chicken, pesto chicken, easy chicken recipe, Italian chicken, chicken breast recipe, cheesy chicken
Find it online: https://zestywithzane.com/baked-pesto-chicken-recipe/
