Introduction
Baked Pesto Chicken is a simple and tasty recipe that you can make in your oven. It takes very little time and only a few ingredients. If you like chicken and you enjoy the fresh taste of green pesto, then this dish is just perfect for you. It is a good choice for dinner when you are busy and still want something warm, healthy, and homemade. In this blog, you will learn what you need, how to prepare, and the steps to cook this delicious meal at home. You do not need to be a great cook. Just follow the steps and enjoy a tasty plate of pesto chicken.
Ingredients You Will Need
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup of green pesto (store-bought or homemade)
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt (as needed)
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Black pepper (as needed)
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Cherry tomatoes (optional, for extra flavor)
How to Prepare and Cook Baked Pesto Chicken
1. Clean and Get the Chicken Ready
First, take the chicken breasts and wash them well under water. Then pat them dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. If the chicken pieces are very thick, you can cut them in half to help them cook faster. You can also gently pound them with a rolling pin or anything heavy so that they become even in size. This helps them cook well and stay soft.
2. Season the Chicken Lightly
Put a little salt and black pepper on both sides of the chicken. Do not use too much, because pesto already has a lot of flavor. This light seasoning helps bring out the chicken’s flavor and complements the pesto well.
3. Add Pesto Sauce to Chicken
Take a baking dish and place the chicken breasts in it. Now, spread the pesto on top of each piece. You can use a spoon to do this. Make sure the pesto covers the whole top side of the chicken. You do not need to flip it. Just one side is enough.
4. Add Cheese on Top
Once you have put pesto on the chicken, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. This cheese will melt in the oven and make the dish creamy and tasty. If you want, you can also add a few cherry tomatoes around the chicken for more color and flavor.
5. Preheat the Oven
Before baking, turn on the oven and set the temperature to 375°F (190°C). Let it heat for about 10 minutes before putting the chicken inside. This step is important because it helps the chicken cook evenly.
6. Bake the Chicken
Place the dish with the chicken into the oven and let it bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You will know the chicken is ready when the cheese is melted and golden, and the chicken is no longer pink in the center. You can use a fork to cut a small piece and check. If you have a food thermometer, the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) inside.
7. Let It Rest
Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the oven. Let it sit for 5 minutes before you serve it. This makes the chicken juicy and allows the flavors to blend well.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve baked pesto chicken in many ways. If you want a healthy meal, you can eat it with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. If you want something filling, you can serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta. Some people also enjoy it with bread or garlic toast. You can also cut the chicken into small pieces and put it in a sandwich or wrap for lunch the next day. The leftover chicken stays good in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Just keep it in a tight container and heat it before eating again.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This baked pesto chicken is simple, quick, and full of flavor. It is great for families, kids, or anyone who likes easy home-cooked food. You do not need any special cooking skills or fancy tools. The pesto gives the chicken a fresh and herby taste, and the cheese makes it soft and gooey. It is also a healthy choice because it is baked and not fried. You can even use low-fat cheese and light pesto if you want to keep it light. This dish is also good for meal prep because you can make a big batch and eat it for a few days. That saves time and keeps you away from eating outside food.
Tips and Notes
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If you do not eat dairy, you can skip the cheese or use dairy-free cheese.
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You can use homemade pesto or buy it from the store. Both work fine.
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If you want more color, you can sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving.
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If you do not have chicken breasts, you can also use chicken thighs or tenders. Just adjust the cooking time a little.
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Always make sure the chicken is cooked fully before serving.