Easy Baked Pesto Chicken
This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken is a weeknight lifesaver that delivers big flavor with almost no effort.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (or sliced fresh mozzarella)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: cherry tomatoes or grated Parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Season chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper and place in the dish.
- Spread pesto evenly over each piece of chicken.
- Top with mozzarella.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Broil 1–2 minutes if desired for bubbly, lightly browned cheese.
Notes
- Pound chicken to even thickness for even cooking.
- Great served with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken is a weeknight lifesaver that delivers big flavor with almost no effort. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in fragrant basil pesto, then baked until tender and finished with a blanket of melted mozzarella cheese.
The pesto infuses the chicken with garlicky, herby richness while keeping it moist, and the cheese adds a comforting, lightly golden finish. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you still want something satisfying and homemade. It pairs beautifully with pasta, zucchini noodles, or a simple side salad, making it endlessly versatile. You can also customize it with cherry tomatoes, Parmesan, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat. Simple, reliable, and family-friendly, this baked pesto chicken is bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
