. Enjoy creating this delightful meal! Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This gets the oven hot and ready. Next, grab a large baking dish and pour in the olive oil. Use a brush or your fingers to coat the bottom well. This step helps the chicken not stick. Take your chicken breasts and season them with salt and black pepper on both sides. Place them in the oiled dish. Now, it's time for the pesto! Use a spatula to spread the basil pesto over each chicken breast. Make sure to cover them well for the best flavor. Add the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the dish. This adds color and fresh taste. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and tomatoes. This cheesy topping will melt and create a delicious crust. Now, it’s time to bake! Place the dish in your preheated oven. Set a timer for 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken will cook through, and the cheese will bubble. I recommend checking it at 25 minutes to avoid overcooking. How do you know when the chicken is done? Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). This means the chicken is safe to eat. Once it’s done, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch. Enjoy your tasty baked pesto chicken! For the full recipe, follow along with the steps outlined above. To keep your chicken moist, start with fresh, high-quality meat. You can also brine the chicken in salt water for a few hours. This helps the chicken hold onto its juices. When you bake it, don't overcook it. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F. Let it rest for a few minutes after baking. This lets the juices settle, making each bite tender. Basil pesto adds great flavor, but you can boost it. Try adding garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or lemon zest. Fresh herbs work well too. Consider thyme or oregano for a nice twist. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy taste. Mix these extras into the pesto or sprinkle them on top before baking. Mozzarella is a classic choice, but other cheeses can shine too. Try fontina for a rich flavor or goat cheese for creaminess. If you want a stronger taste, use aged cheddar or feta. Pair your baked pesto chicken with sides like roasted veggies or a light salad for balance. You can also serve it with pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic for a complete meal. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. {{image_4}} You can easily boost the nutrition of your baked pesto chicken by adding vegetables. Consider using bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. These veggies add color and flavor. Simply chop them up and scatter them in the baking dish with the chicken. They will cook nicely in the oven, soaking up all the tasty pesto juice. This makes your meal more filling and healthy. Pesto comes in many types. You can try sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for a twist. Each type brings a unique taste to your dish. If you love garlic, a garlic pesto will enhance the flavor. Experiment with different pestos to find your favorite. Each will give your baked chicken a fresh touch. If you need a gluten-free meal, this recipe is a great fit! Just make sure your pesto is gluten-free. For a dairy-free option, skip the cheese or use dairy-free cheese. There are many brands available now that melt well. You can still enjoy this dish without the dairy. Adjusting the recipe helps everyone at your table enjoy a tasty meal. After you enjoy your baked pesto chicken, let it cool down first. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the chicken fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. To keep the flavors intact, try to eat it soon. You can freeze baked pesto chicken, too! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place the wrapped chicken in a freezer-safe bag. This way, it stays fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge before reheating. To reheat your chicken, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat it for about 20 minutes or until it's warm. If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last few minutes. This way, the cheese gets bubbly and delicious again. Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes at 400°F. The chicken is ready when it reaches 165°F inside. You can check this with a meat thermometer. The cheese should be bubbly and golden, adding to the dish's appeal. Yes, you can use homemade pesto! Fresh pesto often has a brighter flavor. Just make sure it has a good mix of basil, garlic, nuts, and oil. This will make your baked pesto chicken even more special. You can serve baked pesto chicken with many tasty sides. Here are a few ideas: - A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette - Crispy garlic bread for dipping - Roasted vegetables for added color and taste - Pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs These sides will complement the flavors in the chicken and make your meal more satisfying. Check the Full Recipe for more details on making this dish. In this post, we explored how to make baked pesto chicken. We covered the main and optional ingredients that give it great flavor. I shared easy steps for prep, baking, and checking for doneness. You learned tips for moistness and flavor boosts with herbs. We also looked at fun variations, storage tips, and answered your burning questions. Baked pesto chicken is simple and tasty. Enjoy making it your way!](https://eataroundit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/5b276dc3-92b1-4703-b49f-c25d502578ed-250x250.webp)
Baked Pesto Chicken
Discover the ultimate Baked Pesto Chicken Delight that will elevate your weeknight dinners! With juicy chicken, flavorful basil pesto, and a cheesy topping of mozzarella and Parmesan, this easy recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Bake it in just 30 minutes and bring a burst of fresh flavors to your table. Ready to impress? Click through for the full recipe and tips to serve this delicious dish to your family and friends!