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Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe

4.8 from 107 reviews

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.

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

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully preheat for even cooking.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
  3. Apply the pesto: Spread about 2 tablespoons of basil pesto evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
  4. Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the pesto-coated chicken breasts.
  5. 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).
  6. 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