Easy Baked Pesto Chicken with Mozzarella

Looking for an easy chicken dinner that takes just minutes to prepare? This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken is a delicious weeknight meal made with tender chicken strips, flavorful basil pesto, and plenty of melted mozzarella cheese. Everything comes together in one baking dish, making cleanup just as simple as the preparation.

The chicken bakes gently under a layer of pesto, soaking up all that delicious herby flavor before being topped with gooey mozzarella. With only a handful of ingredients and about 40 minutes from start to finish, this is a simple dinner the whole family can enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken

• Quick preparation: It takes only about 10 minutes to get everything ready for the oven.
• Simple ingredients: Chicken, pesto, mozzarella, and a few seasonings are all you need.
• One-dish dinner: Everything cooks together in a single baking dish, so cleanup is easy.
• Full of flavor: Basil pesto adds a fresh, savory taste without needing a long list of seasonings.
• Perfect for busy nights: Most of the cooking happens hands-off in the oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Four chicken breasts are cut lengthwise into strips so they cook evenly and absorb the pesto flavor.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
• Black pepper: Adds a little seasoning and balances the richness of the pesto and cheese.
• Basil pesto: The star ingredient! It gives the chicken a delicious combination of basil, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. Homemade or store-bought pesto both work well.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts over the chicken to create a soft, cheesy topping. You can use pre-shredded mozzarella or shred it from a block.

Equipment Needed

• 9 x 12-inch baking dish
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil
• Cooking spray
• Meat thermometer (recommended)

How to Make Easy Baked Pesto Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 9 x 12-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Cut each chicken breast lengthwise into three strips. Season the chicken pieces evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.

Try to keep the strips similar in thickness so they cook at approximately the same rate.

Step 3: Add the First Layer of Pesto

Spread ¼ cup of basil pesto across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This creates a flavorful base for the chicken and helps keep it moist as it bakes.

Step 4: Arrange the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken strips in the baking dish over the pesto. Spread the remaining ¼ cup of pesto over the chicken, making sure the pieces are coated.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.

Covering the dish helps retain moisture while the chicken cooks.

Step 6: Add the Mozzarella Cheese

Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the chicken.

Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the chicken is completely cooked through.

For a lightly golden, bubbly cheese topping, place the dish under the broiler for an additional 2–3 minutes if desired. Watch it closely to prevent the cheese from burning.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest briefly. Serve it hot with some of the flavorful pesto juices from the bottom of the baking dish.

Spoon those delicious juices over the chicken and your favorite side dish for even more flavor!

Tips for the Best Baked Pesto Chicken

• Cut the chicken evenly: Similar-sized strips help everything cook at the same rate and prevent smaller pieces from drying out.
• Don’t use too much pesto: The recipe uses ½ cup in total, divided between the bottom of the dish and the chicken.
• Cover during the first part of baking: Aluminum foil helps keep the chicken tender and moist.
• Check the internal temperature: Chicken should reach 165°F in the thickest part to be safely cooked.
• Watch the broiler: If you want a golden cheese topping, keep a close eye on the dish because mozzarella can brown quickly.
• Save the pan juices: They are full of pesto flavor and are delicious spooned over rice, couscous, or pasta.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use chicken tenders: Chicken tenders can replace the chicken breasts. They may cook faster, so check them earlier.
• Try chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are another tasty option. Cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on their size and thickness.
• Make your own pesto: Homemade basil pesto works beautifully, but a good-quality store-bought version makes this recipe even easier.
• Use fresh mozzarella: Replace shredded mozzarella with sliced fresh mozzarella for a softer, creamier cheese topping.
• Add vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or sliced bell peppers can be added to the baking dish for extra color and flavor. Keep in mind that additional ingredients may affect the cooking time.

What to Serve With Baked Pesto Chicken

This chicken is especially delicious served with a side that can soak up the flavorful pesto juices.

Here are a few easy serving ideas:

• Steamed rice: A simple choice that absorbs the delicious juices from the baking dish.
• Couscous: Light, fluffy couscous makes a quick and easy side.
• Orzo: Its small pasta shape pairs wonderfully with the pesto sauce.
• Roasted vegetables: Broccoli, zucchini, asparagus, or carrots make a colorful addition.
• Garlic bread: Perfect for enjoying every last bit of the cheesy pesto juices.
• Simple green salad: A fresh salad balances the richness of the mozzarella and pesto.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken tenders instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken tenders work well in this recipe and are a convenient option because they are already cut into smaller pieces. Since they may cook faster than thicker chicken breast strips, check for doneness earlier.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a good alternative. They may require a different cooking time depending on their thickness, so use a meat thermometer to check that they reach 165°F.

Can I use homemade pesto?

Yes. Both homemade and store-bought basil pesto work perfectly. Homemade pesto gives you more control over the flavor, while store-bought pesto makes preparation especially convenient.

Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded mozzarella?

Yes! Sliced fresh mozzarella can be used instead of shredded cheese. Arrange the slices over the chicken and bake until melted.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way to check is with an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of a chicken strip. It should register 165°F before serving.

Can I prepare baked pesto chicken ahead of time?

You can assemble the chicken and pesto in the baking dish ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. For the best results, add the mozzarella during the final baking stage. If baking straight from the refrigerator, allow for additional cooking time and check the internal temperature.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator: Allow leftover pesto chicken to cool, then transfer it to a covered airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot throughout. Spoon some of the leftover pesto juices over the chicken before reheating to help keep it moist and flavorful.

Freezer: Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. Label and date the container, then freeze for up to 4–5 months.

Thawing: Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Always make sure the chicken is heated thoroughly before serving.

Make-Ahead Instructions

To save time on a busy evening, cut and season the chicken ahead of time. You can also assemble the chicken with the pesto in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook.

When it’s time for dinner, bake as directed, adjusting the cooking time as needed if the chicken is still cold from the refrigerator. Add the mozzarella near the end so it melts beautifully without overbaking.

Recipe Details

• Recipe: Easy Baked Pesto Chicken
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Cooking Temperature: 375°F

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving:

• Calories: 247 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 39 mg
• Sodium: 516 mg
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 2 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an estimate. Actual values may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken is proof that a delicious homemade dinner doesn’t need to be complicated. Tender chicken, flavorful basil pesto, and melted mozzarella come together in one simple baking dish for a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Serve it over rice, couscous, or orzo to make the most of those delicious pan juices. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or looking for an easy family dinner, this cheesy pesto chicken is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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