Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken Recipe

Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken is a dish that combines the rich flavors of basil pesto, creamy mozzarella, and tender chicken, creating an irresistible and savory meal. With layers of gooey cheese, vibrant pesto sauce, and succulent chicken breasts, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fancy weekend meal. In this 3000-word guide, we will walk through the history of pesto, the process of making this delicious recipe, tips and tricks to perfect it, and ways to customize the dish to suit your taste. Let’s dive into the culinary adventure that is Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken!

History and Origins of Pesto

Before we begin crafting this delicious recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate the magic of pesto—the star ingredient of this dish.

Pesto, a sauce that originated in Genoa, Italy, dates back hundreds of years. The traditional version, known as Pesto alla Genovese, is made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. These ingredients are blended together to create a smooth, herbaceous paste with a balance of creamy and nutty flavors. The name “pesto” comes from the Italian word “pestare,” which means “to pound” or “crush,” referencing the traditional method of making pesto using a mortar and pestle.

Pesto became popular globally in the mid-20th century and now serves as a base for a wide variety of dishes, including pastas, sandwiches, pizzas, and of course, baked chicken. In this recipe, the freshness of pesto brings a punch of flavor that complements the creamy cheese and hearty chicken, elevating the dish to new heights.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This moderate temperature will allow the chicken to cook evenly without drying out while melting the cheese to perfection.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

• Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using).
• If the chicken breasts are thick, consider butterflying them by slicing them horizontally to create thinner, even pieces. This helps the chicken cook more evenly and allows for better absorption of the pesto flavor.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a nice golden-brown crust. This step locks in the juices and adds a beautiful texture to the final dish.
• Remove the skillet from the heat once the chicken is seared. The chicken will not be fully cooked at this point, but it will finish cooking in the oven.

Step 4: Add the Pesto

• Spread 1-2 tablespoons of pesto on top of each chicken breast. You can adjust the amount of pesto depending on how intense you want the flavor to be.
• Ensure the pesto covers the chicken evenly for maximum flavor. The herby, garlicky goodness of the pesto will seep into the chicken as it bakes.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

• Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top of the pesto-covered chicken. The cheese will melt and create a gooey, cheesy layer that pairs perfectly with the basil pesto.
• Add grated Parmesan on top of the mozzarella for an extra kick of umami and richness.

Step 6: Bake the Chicken

• Transfer the skillet (or an oven-safe baking dish) to the preheated oven.
• Bake for 18-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Optional: For a golden, crispy cheese topping, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added freshness.
• Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Homemade Basil Pesto Recipe

If you’d like to make your own pesto from scratch, here’s a simple and quick recipe:

Ingredients for Basil Pesto:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a budget-friendly alternative)
• 2-3 cloves garlic (peeled)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of half a lemon (optional, for a fresh tang)

Instructions for Pesto:

1. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
2. While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and emulsified.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a brighter flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice.
4. Store the pesto in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning. It can last in the fridge for up to a week.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since this dish has a few key ingredients (chicken, pesto, and cheese), their quality will impact the overall flavor. If possible, use fresh mozzarella and homemade pesto for the best results.
2. Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the chicken breasts before baking helps lock in the moisture and gives the chicken a beautiful golden color. This step also allows the chicken to cook more evenly in the oven.
3. Keep an Eye on the Cheese: If you like crispy, golden cheese, broil the chicken for the last few minutes of baking. However, be careful not to overcook it as the cheese can burn quickly under the broiler.
4. Pesto Variety: You can experiment with different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato pesto, arugula pesto, or kale pesto. Each variation will give the dish a unique twist while keeping the core flavors intact.
5. Chicken Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of chicken breasts, you can easily substitute with chicken thighs, which tend to be more flavorful and juicy. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may require a bit longer in the oven.
6. Thickening the Pesto: If your pesto is too runny, you can thicken it by adding extra Parmesan or blending in a few extra nuts. This will help it adhere better to the chicken during baking.

Serving Suggestions

Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides. Here are some serving suggestions to complete your meal:

1. Pasta

• Serve the baked chicken over a bed of angel hair pasta or spaghetti for a hearty Italian-inspired meal. Toss the pasta with extra pesto or olive oil and Parmesan cheese to complement the chicken.

2. Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus make a healthy and colorful side dish. The caramelized flavors of the roasted vegetables pair beautifully with the creamy pesto and chicken.

3. Garlic Bread

• A classic side for any Italian-inspired meal, garlic bread provides a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken. Serve it warm and buttery for a delicious accompaniment.

4. Salad

• For a lighter option, pair the chicken with a fresh mixed green salad dressed with a simple lemon vinaigrette. The brightness of the salad cuts through the richness of the cheese and pesto.

5. Rice or Quinoa

• For a gluten-free option, serve the chicken with rice or quinoa. These grains absorb the flavorful juices from the baked chicken, creating a well-balanced meal.

Customizing the Recipe

1. Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Chicken

• Swap out the basil pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto to give the dish a deeper, tangier flavor. This variation adds a robust, sweet-savory element to the baked chicken.

2. Pesto Stuffed Chicken

• Take the recipe up a notch by creating a pesto-stuffed chicken version. Butterfly the chicken breasts and stuff them with a mixture of pesto and mozzarella before baking. This ensures every bite is packed with cheesy, herby goodness.

3. Keto-Friendly Version

• For a keto-friendly option, serve the chicken with a side of sautéed spinach or cauliflower rice. Both sides are low-carb and allow you to enjoy the dish without worrying about carbs.

4. Vegetarian Twist

• While this recipe is centered on chicken, you can adapt it for a vegetarian diet by replacing the chicken with large portobello mushrooms or slices of eggplant. These vegetables absorb the pesto and cheese flavors beautifully when baked.

Conclusion

Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make recipe that offers an explosion of flavors in every bite. With the creamy, melted mozzarella and vibrant pesto coating the tender chicken, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The versatility of this dish allows you to customize it to your preferences, from experimenting with different types of pesto to choosing your favorite side dishes. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this recipe will deliver a mouthwatering experience.

Enjoy the delightful combination of pesto, cheese, and chicken with this satisfying and flavorful recipe!

Yield: 4

Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken Recipe

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Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken is a dish that combines the rich flavors of basil pesto, creamy mozzarella, and tender chicken, creating an irresistible and savory meal. With layers of gooey cheese, vibrant pesto sauce, and succulent chicken breasts, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fancy weekend meal. In this 3000-word guide, we will walk through the history of pesto, the process of making this delicious recipe, tips and tricks to perfect it, and ways to customize the dish to suit your taste. Let's dive into the culinary adventure that is Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, 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 of the chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Sear the Chicken (Optional):
   Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
4. Spread the Pesto:
   Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish (if you didn't sear them in an oven-safe skillet). Spread about 2 tablespoons of pesto over each chicken breast, ensuring they are well coated.
5. Add the Cheese:
   Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the pesto-covered chicken. Top each chicken breast with a little Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
6. Bake the Chicken:
   Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C)) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve hot.

Notes

• You can serve this Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• For added flavor, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top of the chicken before serving.
• If you like extra crispy cheese, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.