Description
This Baked Pesto Chicken recipe offers a quick and flavorful dinner option featuring tender chicken breasts coated with fragrant basil pesto and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight meals, this dish combines the fresh taste of pesto with the comforting appeal of baked cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pesto and Cheese
- ½ cup basil pesto, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the correct baking temperature before you start preparing the chicken.
- Prepare the chicken: Slice each chicken breast lengthwise into three strips. Season the strips evenly with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Prepare the baking dish: Spray a 9×12-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread ¼ cup of basil pesto uniformly over the bottom of the dish to create a flavorful base.
- Add chicken and pesto: Arrange the seasoned chicken strips in the baking dish over the pesto layer. Then spoon the remaining ¼ cup basil pesto evenly over the chicken to ensure every piece is coated.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This keeps the chicken moist as it cooks through.
- Add cheese and bake uncovered: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and evenly sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chicken is fully cooked. For a golden top, optionally broil for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. This dish pairs well with side salads, roasted vegetables, or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- For an extra cheesy crust, use freshly shredded mozzarella cheese.
- You can substitute pesto with a store-bought variety or homemade basil pesto.
- To ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If preferred, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto layer for a subtle spicy kick.
- Broiling is optional but recommended for a lightly browned and bubbly cheese topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Baked Pesto Chicken, Pesto Chicken Recipe, Easy Chicken Dinner, Mozzarella Cheese Chicken, Italian Chicken Bake
