Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with the vibrant flavors of basil pesto and a rich, cheesy topping. This simple yet flavorful meal brings together the freshness of pesto with the indulgence of melted cheese, making it an irresistible option for dinner. The dish is baked to perfection, ensuring that the chicken remains moist while the pesto and cheese form a delicious crust on top.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to make something special without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and is packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual gathering, Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken is sure to be a hit. This guide will take you step-by-step through the process, offer tips for success, and suggest variations and pairings to elevate your meal even further.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken

• Flavorful and Savory: The combination of pesto and melted cheese creates a delightful, savory flavor profile that complements the chicken perfectly. The basil pesto adds a fresh and herby taste, while the cheese provides a rich and creamy finish.
• Moist and Juicy Chicken: Baking the chicken with pesto and cheese ensures that the meat stays moist and tender, avoiding dryness often associated with chicken breasts.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: This dish requires just a few simple ingredients—chicken, pesto, and cheese—but the result is a flavorful and impressive meal. It’s easy to make and great for those who want a restaurant-quality dish at home.
• Quick and Easy to Make: The recipe is simple to follow and doesn’t take long to prepare. You can have a delicious, comforting dinner ready in under an hour.
• Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily modify this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Add vegetables, use different cheeses, or experiment with different pesto varieties to customize it to your liking.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the type of cheese and pesto used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 3-5g
• Protein: 35-40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2-3g

Ingredients

For Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

For Homemade Pesto (Optional):

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2-3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Special Equipment

While you don’t need any specialized equipment for Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken, the following kitchen tools will help you achieve the best results:

1. Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for arranging the chicken breasts and ensuring even cooking. You can also use a smaller dish if you are making fewer servings.
2. Cooking Brush: A pastry brush is useful for spreading the pesto evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring that each piece gets coated with flavor.
3. Measuring Spoons: Accurate measurement of ingredients like pesto and garlic powder will help you maintain balance in the flavor profile.
4. Cheese Grater: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella make a big difference in flavor and texture. A grater ensures that your cheese melts perfectly.
5. Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer helps ensure that the chicken is cooked through to the right temperature (165°F or 74°C) without overcooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for baking the chicken breasts so they remain juicy while allowing the cheese and pesto to melt and form a golden, bubbly crust.

While the oven is heating, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Use your fingers or a brush to rub the seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. This simple seasoning will enhance the flavor of the chicken while allowing the pesto and cheese to shine.

2. Prepare the Pesto

If you’re using store-bought pesto, skip this step and proceed to the next one. If you’re making homemade pesto, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts (or walnuts), Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You can make the pesto ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

3. Coat the Chicken with Pesto

Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Use a cooking brush or spoon to evenly coat the top of each chicken breast with about 2 tablespoons of pesto. Make sure each piece of chicken is generously covered with the flavorful pesto sauce. The pesto will infuse the chicken with its fresh, herbaceous taste while it bakes.

4. Add the Cheese

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over each pesto-coated chicken breast. Then, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella. The combination of these two cheeses will create a rich, gooey, and slightly crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken.

5. Bake the Chicken

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. If you prefer a crispier cheese topping, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but be sure to watch the chicken closely to avoid burning.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese has melted to perfection, remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil for a burst of color and flavor. Serve the Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken with your favorite sides and enjoy the satisfying meal you’ve just created.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken

• Use Fresh Chicken: Fresh, high-quality chicken breasts will ensure that the meat remains tender and juicy. Avoid using frozen chicken unless it has been properly thawed beforehand.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking the chicken can result in dry meat. Be sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer and remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Make It Spicy: For a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes to the pesto or sprinkle some over the chicken before baking.
• Customize the Pesto: You can use different nuts in the pesto, such as walnuts or almonds, to change the flavor. You can also experiment with adding lemon zest, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted garlic for a unique twist.
• Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese melt much better than pre-shredded varieties. Grating the cheese yourself ensures a creamier texture and better flavor.

Variations of Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken

• Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken: For an extra indulgent version, stuff the chicken breasts with a mixture of pesto, cream cheese, and mozzarella before baking. This creates a cheesy, creamy filling that will ooze out when you cut into the chicken.
• Chicken Pesto Parmesan: For a twist on Chicken Parmesan, add a layer of marinara sauce on top of the pesto before adding the cheese. Bake the chicken as usual, and top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan for a comforting, Italian-inspired meal.
• Caprese Pesto Chicken: Add sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella on top of the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking. This will give you a Caprese-style chicken with fresh, juicy tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella.
• Low-Carb Version: For a low-carb alternative, use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice as a side dish instead of pasta. This will keep the meal light and healthy without sacrificing flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for later. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re reheating individual servings, you can also microwave them for 2-3 minutes, but the texture might be slightly different.

For longer storage, you can freeze the baked chicken. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen chicken can be kept for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven as described above.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken

• Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread pairs perfectly with this dish. The bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful pesto sauce left on the plate.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers complement the richness of the chicken and provide a healthy, flavorful side dish.
• Cauliflower Mash: For a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash is a creamy and delicious option that pairs beautifully with the cheesy chicken.
• Salad: A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette balances out the richness of the chicken and pesto.

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Conclusion

Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken is a satisfying and flavorful dish that brings together the best of fresh basil pesto, tender chicken, and melted cheese. It’s quick to prepare, easy to make, and sure to impress anyone at the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. With its versatile ingredients and simple preparation, it’s a dish you’ll return to time and time again. Enjoy the cheesy, herby goodness of Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken, and savor every bite!