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Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe

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4.4 from 11 reviews

  • Author: Leila
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts baked with vibrant basil pesto and melted mozzarella cheese, making for a simple yet flavorful weeknight dinner that's ready in just 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 4 (6-7 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pesto and Cheese

  • 1/2 cup basil pesto (divided)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Cut each chicken breast lengthwise into three strips. Season these chicken strips evenly with kosher salt and black pepper for balanced flavor.
  3. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly spray a 9x12-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread 1/4 cup of the basil pesto evenly over the bottom of the dish as a flavorful base layer.
  4. Arrange Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken strips on top of the pesto layer. Then spread the remaining 1/4 cup of basil pesto evenly over the chicken to coat and infuse more basil flavor.
  5. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in. Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F for 25 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook thoroughly.
  6. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the chicken is fully cooked. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the cheese.
  7. Serve: Serve the baked pesto chicken hot, spooning extra flavorful juices from the bottom of the dish over the top for extra moisture and taste.

Notes

  • You can use store-bought or homemade basil pesto depending on preference.
  • Broiling at the end adds a nice golden crust to the cheese but is optional.
  • Ensure chicken strips are cooked through by checking that internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Serve with a side of vegetables or over pasta or rice for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://recipesbyleila.com/easy-baked-pesto-chicken-recipe/