Description

This recipe combines the richness of mozzarella cheese with the fragrant, herby flavors of pesto, all baked to perfection on top of juicy chicken breasts. A delightful fusion of cheesy goodness and fresh basil flavors!

Ingredients

Scale

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

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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.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 350-400 kcal
Fat: 20-25g
Carbohydrates: 3-5g
Protein: 35-40g