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

Description

An easy and delicious recipe for baked pesto chicken that is quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are baked with savory pesto and topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a delightful flavor combination.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken

- 4 chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste

Pesto and Cheese

3/4 cup mozzarella, shredded
1/2 cup pesto

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Instructions

Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prep the chicken. Slice your chicken breasts into thick, large strips. Depending on the size of the pieces, cut each into two or three strips. Generously season all sides of the strips with salt and pepper.
Prepare the baking dish. Spread half of the pesto evenly across the bottom of your baking dish.
Arrange the chicken. Place the chicken strips in an even layer inside the dish. Scoop the remaining pesto on top of the chicken and use a brush or spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
Bake the chicken. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
Add the cheese. Uncover the dish and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the chicken. Place the dish back in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted. Be careful not to overbake; the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Finish and serve. Optionally, top with chili pepper flakes for some added heat. Serve with your favorite side dishes such as rice and vegetables.

Notes

You can use pre-made pesto from a jar; you’ll need 3/4 cup.
This dish pairs well with rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
For extra flavor, top with chili pepper flakes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving