Description
This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken is the perfect hands-off dinner that delivers tender, flavorful chicken strips topped with melty mozzarella cheese and rich pesto sauce. Simple to prepare, it’s a delicious weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor and requires minimal effort!
Ingredients
4 (6-7 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup basil pesto, divided (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preheat the oven:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the chicken:
Cut each chicken breast lengthwise into 3 pieces. Season the chicken strips with kosher salt and black pepper.
Prepare the baking dish:
Spray a 9×12 baking dish with cooking spray. Spread ¼ cup of the pesto over the bottom of the dish.
Assemble the dish:
Add the chicken strips to the baking dish. Top with the remaining ¼ cup pesto, ensuring each strip is covered.
Bake the chicken:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Add cheese and bake again:
Uncover the dish and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven (uncovered) and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through.
Optional broiling:
If desired, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned and bubbly.
Serve:
Serve the baked pesto chicken hot with the extra juices from the bottom of the dish. Great over rice, couscous, or orzo!
Notes
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used here, but you can substitute chicken tenders or thighs (just adjust the cook time accordingly).
Pesto: Both homemade or store-bought pesto work well for this recipe.
Mozzarella: Shredded mozzarella is preferred, but fresh mozzarella slices can also be used.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with rice, couscous, or orzo to soak up the flavorful juices.
Leftovers: Leftover pesto chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave with the juices to maintain moisture. It can also be frozen for up to 4-5 months—just defrost overnight and reheat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
