If you’re looking for a dinner that’s as vibrant as it is effortless, Easy Pesto Chicken is about to become your weeknight hero. Imagine juicy chicken breasts smothered in fragrant basil pesto, topped with sweet cherry tomatoes and a blanket of golden, melty mozzarella—all roasted to perfection in just one pan. This dish is bursting with fresh flavors and comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights or special gatherings alike. With Easy Pesto Chicken, you get restaurant-worthy taste with hardly any fuss!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients can create such a spectacular meal. Each component in this Easy Pesto Chicken recipe plays a key role, from providing juicy tenderness to infusing bold, herbaceous flavor and irresistible cheesiness.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean protein that soak up all the flavors in this dish while staying juicy and satisfying.
- Basil pesto: Choose a good-quality store-bought pesto or make your own for the freshest punch of basil, garlic, and Parmesan.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and a pop of color that makes every bite bright and fresh.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that dreamy, cheesy top that’s simply irresistible.
- Olive oil: Just a drizzle keeps the chicken moist and helps the flavors meld together as they bake.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): A sprinkle of fresh basil at the end adds a fragrant, colorful finish that takes this dish up a notch.
How to Make Easy Pesto Chicken
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil—this not only prevents sticking but also helps the chicken stay moist as it cooks. Using an oven-safe dish that fits the chicken breasts snugly ensures all the flavors mingle perfectly.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Lay the chicken breasts in your prepared dish. Generously season both sides with salt and black pepper. Don’t skip this step! Proper seasoning is the secret to flavorful, well-balanced chicken.
Step 3: Spread the Pesto
Now for the star of Easy Pesto Chicken: spread about 2 tablespoons of basil pesto over each chicken breast. Use the back of a spoon to coat the tops evenly, making sure every inch is covered. The pesto will infuse the meat with fresh, herby flavor as it bakes.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Cheese
Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes over and around the chicken, then sprinkle a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese over each piece. The tomatoes roast into juicy little flavor bombs, while the cheese melts into a gooey, golden topping.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking dish into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know your Easy Pesto Chicken is ready when the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you love a crispier cheese topping, broil for 2–3 minutes right at the end.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once the chicken is done, let it rest for 5 minutes—this helps lock in the juices. Finish with a scatter of fresh basil leaves if you like, which adds both color and a fresh aroma that really elevates the dish.
How to Serve Easy Pesto Chicken
Garnishes
A final flourish of fresh basil leaves makes the plate pop and adds a layer of herbal brightness. For something extra, try a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil just before serving. These simple touches make Easy Pesto Chicken feel truly special.
Side Dishes
This dish loves company! Serve Easy Pesto Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or classic pasta for a hearty meal. If you’d like to keep it light, a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables make perfect, colorful sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the chicken and layer it over a warm grain bowl or tuck it into a crusty baguette for an Italian-inspired sandwich. You can even dice leftovers and toss them into a salad or pasta. Easy Pesto Chicken is as versatile as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Pesto Chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply transfer the cooled chicken and toppings into an airtight container—this keeps everything juicy and flavorful for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Easy Pesto Chicken! Once cooled, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or place them in freezer bags. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it, but the oven helps keep the cheese nice and melty.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe and tend to stay extra juicy. Just adjust the baking time as needed, since thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
What’s the best way to make homemade pesto?
Homemade pesto is quick and easy: just blend fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as you go. Store any extra in the fridge for up to a week!
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the mozzarella for your favorite dairy-free cheese or simply leave it out. Many store-bought pestos contain cheese, so look for a vegan version or make your own without Parmesan.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear and the meat should no longer be pink in the center.
Is Easy Pesto Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your pesto is gluten-free (most are, but check the label to be sure). This recipe is naturally low in carbs and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of diets.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about how a handful of simple ingredients can create a meal that tastes like a treat—Easy Pesto Chicken is proof of that! I hope you give this recipe a try soon; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’ll make both your weeknights and special occasions feel a little brighter. Enjoy every bite!
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Easy Pesto Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Easy Pesto Chicken is a simple, flavorful baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with aromatic basil pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this Italian-American-inspired meal balances fresh ingredients with minimal prep and cooking time.
Ingredients
Chicken and Toppings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the greased baking dish and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper for balanced seasoning.
- Apply Pesto: Spread 2 tablespoons of basil pesto evenly over each chicken breast, ensuring thorough coverage to infuse flavor.
- Add Toppings: Top each chicken breast with halved cherry tomatoes and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the surface to create a delicious, melty topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve the chicken warm alongside your preferred side dishes.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- For a different cheese flavor, substitute mozzarella with provolone or Parmesan.
- To achieve extra crispiness on top, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
