Description
This Baked Pesto Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy way to prepare chicken breasts. Packed with the vibrant taste of basil pesto and gooey melted cheese, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pesto:
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the dish and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Add pesto: Spread about 2 tablespoons of pesto over each chicken breast, covering the top evenly.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the pesto.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving, if desired.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts if preferred—adjust baking time accordingly.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in pesto for a few hours before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 100mg