Description
Baked Pesto Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts coated in basil pesto and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Oven-baked to perfection, it’s a fast, delicious dinner ideal for weeknights, meal prep, or healthy eating plans.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 Roma tomato, sliced thin (optional)
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease or line a baking dish with parchment paper.
Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper. Drizzle with olive oil.
Spread pesto evenly over each chicken breast, coating all sides.
Top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and tomato slices (if using).
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
For a golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
Use homemade pesto for the freshest flavor or high-quality store-bought for convenience.
Chicken thighs can replace breasts for a juicier result.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for extra brightness.
Great served with pasta, roasted veggies, or a light salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 380
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg