Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and typically stay even juicier than breasts. The cooking time remains roughly the same, but you may want to add an extra 5 minutes to ensure they're fully cooked to 165°F.

Is homemade pesto better than store-bought for this recipe?

While homemade pesto offers amazing fresh flavor, a good-quality store-bought pesto works perfectly for this recipe, especially on busy weeknights. If using store-bought, look for refrigerated options rather than shelf-stable jars for better flavor, or enhance jarred pesto with a squeeze of lemon juice and some fresh basil.

My pesto turns dark when baking. Is this normal?

Yes, the bright green color of pesto naturally darkens when exposed to heat. This doesn't affect the flavor at all. If presentation is important, you can reserve a small amount of fresh pesto to dollop on top after baking for a vibrant green accent.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking, and you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time since you're starting with cold ingredients.

Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe

Name: Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts; Salt and pepper to taste; 3/4 cup mozzarella, shredded; 1/2 cup pesto

This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you need something delicious without the fuss. Tender chicken strips coated in vibrant basil pesto and topped with melty mozzarella cheese create an irresistible dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes. The bright herbaceous flavors of the pesto infuse the chicken while it bakes, resulting in a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen when you barely lifted a finger!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Simple: With just four main ingredients and minimal prep work, this recipe is perfect for those nights when cooking feels like a chore.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of herby pesto and gooey mozzarella creates a taste sensation that’s far more impressive than the effort required.
Versatile: This chicken works beautifully alongside pasta, rice, roasted veggies, or even as a sandwich filling the next day.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters tend to love this dish – the familiar cheese topping helps win them over to the pesto flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Breasts: The star protein that becomes tender and juicy when baked. Slicing them into strips ensures they cook quickly and evenly.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken without competing with the pesto.
Mozzarella Cheese: Creates that irresistible melty, cheesy top layer that gets slightly golden in the oven. Fresh or pre-shredded both work wonderfully here.
Pesto: The flavor powerhouse of this dish! Basil pesto adds herby, garlicky goodness that infuses the chicken as it bakes. Store-bought saves time, but homemade adds an extra special touch if you have it.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Proteins

Try this same method with chicken thighs for even juicier results, or use turkey cutlets for a leaner option. Fish fillets like cod or salmon also work beautifully with pesto (just reduce the cooking time).

Cheese Options

While mozzarella is classic, try provolone for more flavor, fontina for extra creaminess, or a sprinkle of parmesan mixed with the mozzarella for a more complex cheese layer.

Pesto Varieties

Switch up the flavor profile by using sun-dried tomato pesto, arugula pesto, or even a cilantro-based pesto for completely different taste experiences.

Veggie Additions

Tuck sliced tomatoes or bell peppers under the cheese before melting, or add artichoke hearts to the baking dish for Mediterranean flair.

How to Make Easy Baked Pesto Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Take your chicken breasts and slice them into thick strips – depending on size, cut each breast into 2-3 pieces. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning base allows the pesto flavors to shine.

Step 2: Create the Pesto Base

Spread half of your pesto across the bottom of your baking dish, creating a flavorful bed for the chicken. This bottom layer ensures the chicken absorbs pesto flavor from all sides while cooking.

Step 3: Arrange and Top the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken strips in a single layer on top of the pesto base. Then spread the remaining pesto over the tops of the chicken pieces, making sure to coat them completely. The pesto acts as a protective layer that helps seal in moisture.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. The foil is crucial here – it traps steam to keep the chicken juicy while allowing the pesto flavors to infuse into the meat.

Step 5: Add the Cheese Finish

Remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the chicken, and return to the oven just until the cheese melts and begins to bubble. Watch closely here – overcooked chicken becomes dry quickly. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for safety.

Step 6: Final Touch

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the finished dish before serving. The slight spiciness complements the rich pesto and cheese beautifully.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Chicken Thickness Matters: Cut your chicken pieces to roughly the same thickness so they cook evenly throughout.
Don’t Skip the Foil: The covered baking period is essential for keeping the chicken moist and allowing the pesto flavors to penetrate.
Use Room Temperature Cheese: Cheese that isn’t straight from the refrigerator melts more quickly and evenly.
Pesto Quality: Since there are so few ingredients, splurge on a good-quality pesto or make your own if possible – the flavor difference is noticeable.
Let It Rest: Allow the finished dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute through the meat.

How to Serve

This versatile pesto chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides, making it perfect for repeating without boredom:

Carb Companions

Serve over pasta tossed with a bit of olive oil and garlic, alongside fluffy rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the pesto sauce.

Veggie Sides

Roasted vegetables like asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini complement the herby flavors perfectly. A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.

Make It a Meal

For a complete Italian-inspired dinner, pair with caprese salad and garlic bread. For something lighter, serve with a lemon-dressed arugula salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely as it sits, making this a great meal prep option.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. Freeze portioned servings in airtight containers for up to 2 months. The pesto helps protect the chicken from freezer burn.

Reheating

For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat gently in the microwave at 70% power with a damp paper towel over the top to maintain moisture, or in a 325°F oven covered with foil until just heated through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and typically stay even juicier than breasts. The cooking time remains roughly the same, but you may want to add an extra 5 minutes to ensure they’re fully cooked to 165°F.
Is homemade pesto better than store-bought for this recipe?

While homemade pesto offers amazing fresh flavor, a good-quality store-bought pesto works perfectly for this recipe, especially on busy weeknights. If using store-bought, look for refrigerated options rather than shelf-stable jars for better flavor, or enhance jarred pesto with a squeeze of lemon juice and some fresh basil.
My pesto turns dark when baking. Is this normal?

Yes, the bright green color of pesto naturally darkens when exposed to heat. This doesn’t affect the flavor at all. If presentation is important, you can reserve a small amount of fresh pesto to dollop on top after baking for a vibrant green accent.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking, and you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time since you’re starting with cold ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken has become my go-to recipe when I need something impressive with minimal effort. The way the herbaceous pesto infuses the juicy chicken creates a restaurant-worthy dish that belies how simple it truly is to prepare. Whether for a family dinner or casual entertaining, this recipe strikes that perfect balance of being special enough for guests yet easy enough for a Tuesday night. Give it a try – I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!