Baked Pesto Chicken

When you need a hot and flavorful meal in a pinch, this deliciously easy, baked pesto chicken is the perfect recipe. This simplistic one-pot meal features a simple list of ingredients, making it ideal for any night of the week. Ready in under an hour with minimal prep time, you will want to make sure you keep this recipe to make again - especially once you taste it.

So, whether you're looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a comforting meal, this is the perfect recipe to do just that. Join us as we explore how to turn a handful of ingredients into the best baked pesto chicken, step by step.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This baked pesto chicken recipe is a standout due to its combination of simplicity, versatility, and robust flavors.

It's quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners. With minimal prep and straightforward baking instructions, it's accessible even for novice cooks.

Additionally, this baked pesto chicken dinner is highly customizable—whether using homemade or store-bought pesto, adjusting cheese choices, or adding favorite vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach. These options allow for personalization to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.

Most importantly, this easy baked pesto chicken is bursting with flavor. The pesto marinade infuses the chicken with its vibrant basil and garlic notes, while the melted mozzarella adds a creamy finish.

Ingredients

Butter:

Among the baked pesto chicken ingredients is butter which is used to aid in browning the chicken and contributes to a more tender texture. If you prefer a healthier or dairy-free alternative to butter, you can use olive oil or a neutral vegetable oil like canola oil. These alternatives will still provide moisture and help distribute the flavors of the pesto while achieving a similar cooking result.

Chicken:

For baked pesto chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal choices due to their tenderness and ability to absorb flavors well. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook relatively quickly, making them a popular choice for those seeking a lighter option. They're best when pounded to a uniform thickness for even cooking.

Chicken thighs, on the other hand, are more forgiving and tend to stay juicier during baking, thanks to their higher fat content. If you're looking for an alternative to chicken, create a vegetarian or vegan baked pesto dish using tofu or tempeh instead.

Pesto:

When it comes to the pesto for your pesto baked chicken, the choice between homemade and store-bought pesto can significantly impact the flavor and freshness of your baked pesto chicken. Store-bought pesto provides convenience and consistency while homemade pesto offers a vibrant, fresh, and customizable flavor. Make your own simple pesto at home, combine 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, ½ a cup of grated parmesan cheese, ⅓ cup of pine nuts, and 3 cloves of garlic in a food processor.

Pulse until finely chopped, and then, with the food processor running, gradually add olive oil in a steady stream until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Mozzarella Cheese:

Mozzarella cheese adds a creamy texture and mild flavor to baked pesto chicken, melting beautifully over the top. Alternatively, you can use cheeses like Parmesan, which adds a sharper, nuttier taste, or provolone for a richer, slightly smoky flavor. Fontina offers a creamy texture with a buttery taste, while goat cheese provides a tangy contrast.

For dairy-free or vegan options, consider using plant-based cheeses like dairy-free mozzarella, which melts similarly and adds a creamy texture. Alternatively, you can sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy or use vegan Parmesan cheese for a nuttier taste. 

Cherry Tomatoes:

Cherry tomatoes are a delightful addition to baked pesto chicken, adding bursts of sweetness and acidity that complement the savory flavors of the dish. If cherry tomatoes aren't preferred or available, you can substitute them with grape tomatoes, which offer a similar size and flavor profile.

Alternatively, you could use sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense, concentrated flavor, or skip tomatoes altogether and focus on other complementary ingredients like roasted bell peppers, spinach, or artichoke hearts to add texture and depth to your dish.

How to Make Baked Pesto Chicken

Step One: 

Coat a casserole dish with a light coat of non-stick olive oil spray.

Step Two: 

Toss in the butter cubes, spreading them evenly around the bottom of the dish.

Step Three: 

Place the chicken breasts in the dish, careful to avoid overlapping.

Step Four:

Season with salt and pepper, then coat the chicken evenly with the pesto.

Step Five: 

Cover with a lid and bake at 375F for 25-30 minutes.

Step Six: 

Remove from the oven and top with the mozzarella cheese and tomatoes.

Step Seven: 

Place the dish back in the oven, uncovered, and bake it for another 5 minutes until the cheese has melted and has started to turn golden brown.

Step Eight: 

Serve it alone or with your favorite side dish, and enjoy!

Tips

• If time allows, marinate the chicken in pesto sauce for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) in the refrigerator. This enhances the flavor profile.
• To check your chicken for doneness, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165F for safe consumption.
• Allow the baked pesto chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps in retaining juices and ensures tender meat.

What to Serve With Baked Pesto Chicken

This baked pesto chicken is a one-pot meal, but if you still want to add more side dishes, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of options that complement its vibrant flavors.

For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy quinoa, both of which soak up the savory pesto sauce beautifully. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini add a burst of color and texture, enhancing the dish with their caramelized flavors. For a lighter option, a fresh spinach salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast. 

Need more ideas? Check out What To Serve With Pesto Chicken for 15 delicious recipes.

FAQs

Is this a gluten-free baked pesto chicken recipe?

Yes, this is a gluten-free baked pesto chicken recipe. However, if you are using a store-bought pesto sauce, ensure it is labeled gluten-free to ensure no cross-contamination has occurred.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the marinated chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This is convenient for busy schedules or meal prepping.

How do I make dairy-free or vegan baked pesto chicken?

For a dairy-free or vegan baked pesto chicken, you can use dairy-free pesto and substitute chicken with tofu, tempeh, or your favorite plant-based protein. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I prevent my baked pesto chicken from drying out?

Marinating the chicken in pesto helps keep it moist. Additionally, you can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.

What's the best way to store leftover baked pesto chicken?

Leftover baked pesto chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 4 days. For longer-term storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.

More Pesto Recipes

Nothing is better than a batch of freshly made pesto. The hard part is finding enough creative ways to use it before it goes bad. To help you with that dilemma, we've gathered up some of our favorite pesto recipes for you to consider.

Pesto Chicken Pasta

Pesto Tortellini

Pesto Parmesan Pork Chops

Chicken Pesto Sandwich