The Juiciest Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken Recipe Ever

Crisp autumn winds inspired my obsession with this cheesy pesto baked chicken that promises comfort in every bite.

Mediterranean herbs dance across tender meat, creating magic on your plate.

Basil and parmesan weave their delightful spell through each succulent morsel.

Simple ingredients become something extraordinary with minimal kitchen effort.

My grandmother’s love for uncomplicated cooking always guides these delectable creations.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe answers that call perfectly.

Rich flavors will make you the star of any mealtime gathering.

Grab a fork and prepare for a culinary adventure that delights from first taste to last.

How To Make Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken Recipe Step-By-Step

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 400F (200C). Grab a baking dish and give it a gentle olive oil massage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare The Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Step 3: Create Pesto Magic

• Fresh basil pesto
• Cream cheese
• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated parmesan

Stir until the mixture looks creamy and irresistible.

Step 4: Dress The Chicken

Spread the pesto cheese blend generously over each chicken breast. Make sure every inch gets covered for maximum flavor explosion.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165F.

Step 6: Rest And Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven. This helps lock in those delicious juices. Garnish with extra fresh basil if desired.

Enjoy your mouthwatering pesto chicken masterpiece!

Top Tips For Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken Recipe Success

• Prep Like a Pro: Choose a glass or ceramic baking dish for even heat distribution and beautiful presentation.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Use fresh basil pesto instead of store-bought for a more vibrant, authentic taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Perfect Chicken Selection: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure consistent cooking and juicy results.
• Cheese Melting Mastery: Sprinkle additional cheese during the last 2-3 minutes of baking to create a golden, crispy cheese topping without overcooking the chicken.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the dish earlier in the day and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together before baking for enhanced taste and convenience.

How To Store Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken Recipe The Smart Way

• Refrigerate leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the chicken whole or sliced to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Let the chicken cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and potential bacterial growth.
• When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to help restore the chicken's juiciness and prevent it from becoming tough.
• Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in freezer-safe containers for maximum freshness.
• Frozen chicken will maintain good quality for 2-3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor of the pesto and cheese coating.
• Gently reheat in the oven at 160C (325F) covered with foil to prevent the cheese from burning and keep the chicken tender.

What Tastes Great With Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken Recipe

• Complement with Fresh Greens: Serve this juicy pesto chicken alongside a crisp arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy flavors.
• Pour the Perfect White Wine: Select a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the creamy pesto and enhances the chicken's herbal notes.
• Match with Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables: Prepare a side of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes drizzled with olive oil to create a colorful and complementary plate that echoes the pesto's Italian roots.
• Create a Rustic Bread Pairing: Offer warm, crusty ciabatta or focaccia bread to soak up the delicious pesto and cheese drippings, adding textural contrast to the tender chicken.

Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken Recipe Variations To Try

• Mediterranean Herb Delight: Swap pesto with a blend of chopped oregano, thyme, and rosemary mixed with olive oil for a classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Replace traditional pesto with chipotle-cilantro sauce and top chicken with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Greek-Inspired Option: Use crumbled feta cheese instead of regular cheese and mix basil pesto with tzatziki sauce before spreading over chicken breasts for a tangy Mediterranean experience.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Substitute traditional pesto with homemade avocado-basil pesto and use full-fat mozzarella cheese to create a more fat-focused protein dish that aligns with ketogenic dietary guidelines.

Your Questions About Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken Recipe Answered

• What makes this pesto chicken extra special?

The combination of creamy pesto sauce and melted cheese creates a rich, flavorful coating that transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet meal. The pesto adds herbal notes while the cheese provides a golden, crispy top.

• Is this recipe suitable for people who don't like complicated cooking?

Absolutely! This dish requires minimal prep work and uses just a few ingredients. Anyone can make this recipe, even if you’re a beginner cook. Simply layer the ingredients and let the oven do the work.

• Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can easily swap cheeses. Mozzarella, provolone, or even a sharp cheddar work well. The key is to choose a cheese that melts nicely and complements the pesto’s flavor.

• How can I ensure my chicken stays moist and tender?

Using chicken breasts of similar thickness helps with even cooking. Also, avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature reaches 75C (165F), which ensures the chicken is fully cooked but still juicy.

Why Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken Recipe Deserves A Spot On Your Table

• Whip Up Effortless Elegance: This recipe transforms simple chicken into a gourmet meal with minimal kitchen skills required, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Speedy Weeknight Wonder: From start to finish, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, solving the eternal dinner time crunch with maximum flavor and minimal effort.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy pesto and melted cheese combo, turning a basic chicken dinner into an exciting meal that pleases everyone around the table.
• Versatile Meal Maestro: Easily adaptable for meal prep, packed lunches, or a quick dinner, this recipe works perfectly with side salads, roasted vegetables, or pasta for a complete and satisfying meal.

Everything You’ll Need For Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken Recipe

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender protein that serves as the star of the dish, best when fresh and boneless.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, melty cheese that adds rich flavor and smooth texture to the chicken.

• Pesto: Classic herb sauce with basil, garlic, and olive oil, bringing bright and aromatic Mediterranean flavors.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that provides depth and a nutty undertone to the overall dish.

• Olive Oil: High-quality cooking oil for greasing the baking dish and adding subtle richness.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and complement the pesto.

Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting cheesy pesto baked chicken brings Italian countryside warmth to dinner tables with minimal effort. Simple ingredients blend into a creamy, herb-infused masterpiece that will delight you at first bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cheese and Sauce:

• ½ cup (120 g) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Oil:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
• Cherry tomatoes (optional, for baking alongside the chicken)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a robust 200C (400F), creating an ideal roasting environment for the chicken. Gently coat a baking dish with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Pat the chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels, ensuring a crisp exterior during baking.
3. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper, distributing the seasoning evenly across the surface for a balanced flavor profile.
4. Spread a generous layer of pesto sauce over each chicken breast, making sure to cover the entire top with a smooth, even coating.
5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the pesto-covered chicken, creating a rich and melty topping.
6. Add additional grated parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella for an extra depth of cheesy complexity.
7. Transfer the prepared chicken to the preheated baking dish, positioning the pieces with enough space between them to ensure even cooking.
8. Place the baking dish in the oven and roast for approximately 22-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74C (165F).
9. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist final result.
10. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant and aromatic finishing touch before serving.

Notes

• Marinate chicken breasts in pesto for extra flavor absorption, allowing them to sit for 30 minutes before baking to enhance taste depth.
• Choose high-quality, fresh mozzarella cheese for a creamy and rich melting texture that complements the pesto’s herbal notes.
• Opt for homemade or store-bought basil pesto, ensuring it’s vibrant green and fragrant for the most authentic and delicious result.
• Adjust cooking time based on chicken breast thickness, using a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy chicken at 74C (165F) internal temperature.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg