Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken Recipe
This Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken is an incredibly flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken breasts, fresh basil pesto, and a blanket of melted mozzarella cheese. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner while still being impressive enough for guests.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
3. Sear the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown but not fully cooked. This step locks in moisture and adds extra flavor.
4. Spread the Pesto:
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish. Spread about 2 tablespoons of pesto over each chicken breast, making sure they are fully coated with the pesto goodness.
5. Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the chicken breasts. Then, sprinkle a bit of Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
6. Bake the Chicken:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden-brown top.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips and Variations:
1. Use Chicken Thighs:
- If you prefer dark meat, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
2. Homemade Pesto:
- For a more authentic flavor, try making your own pesto at home by blending fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
3. Add Vegetables:
- You can bake some veggies like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or asparagus in the same dish for a complete meal. Just arrange them around the chicken and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Cheese Options:
- If you’re looking to switch up the cheese, try provolone, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar to add a different flavor profile.
5. Low-Carb Option:
- This dish is naturally low-carb, making it perfect for those following a keto or low-carb diet. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to keep it light.
6. Crispy Finish:
- For an extra crispy cheesy top, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pasta or Rice:
Serve your pesto chicken over a bed of al dente pasta, risotto, or rice for a more filling meal. - Vegetable Sides:
Pair this dish with roasted or grilled vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for a nutritious balance. - Salad:
A light and refreshing green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the cheesy pesto chicken. - Garlic Bread:
Garlic bread or a crusty baguette on the side is perfect for soaking up the extra pesto sauce.
Storage and Reheating:
In the Fridge:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
In the Freezer:
- You can freeze this dish before baking or after it’s fully cooked. To freeze before baking, assemble the dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Conclusion:
This Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken is a simple yet indulgent dish that’s sure to impress. The combination of juicy chicken, fragrant pesto, and gooey cheese makes it a guaranteed family favorite. Whether served with pasta, veggies, or on its own, this recipe is a versatile and delicious option for any night of the week.
Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken Recipe
This Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken is an incredibly flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken breasts, fresh basil pesto, and a blanket of melted mozzarella cheese. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, it's perfect for an easy weeknight dinner while still being impressive enough for guests.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using).
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the Chicken:
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. You do not need to cook the chicken through at this point; you just want to develop some color.
4. Add Pesto:
Once the chicken is seared, spread the pesto evenly over each chicken breast.
5. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pesto-covered chicken.
6. Bake the Chicken:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired. Serve with your choice of sides, such as rice, pasta, or a salad.
Notes
- Pesto: Feel free to use store-bought pesto for convenience or make your own using fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
- Cheese Varieties: You can mix and match cheeses; for example, adding some provolone or cheddar can create a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Addition: For a complete meal, consider adding vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach in the skillet before baking.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.