Baked Pesto Chicken

Name: Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken breasts (sliced thin (4 breasts)); 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 2 Tablespoons basil pesto; 2 Tablespoons olive oil; ½ cup basil pesto; ½ cup mozzarella cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: chopped fresh basil or parsley to garnish

By Laura

Posted Jun 23, 2021, Updated Mar 29, 2024

5 from 3 votes

2 Comments

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In this pesto chicken recipe, chicken breasts are marinated in olive oil and pesto then topped with more pesto, a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese and baked! It’s an easy, healthy flavorful main dish recipe made with only 5 ingredients!

This baked pesto chicken recipe is an easy and delicious weeknight meal bursting with flavor! Chicken breasts are marinated in olive oil and pesto then topped with more pesto, a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese and baked to perfection!

If you’re looking for a way to use fresh basil from your garden, make this homemade basil pesto sauce and use it to whip up this pesto chicken!

Baked pesto chicken cut into slices over pasta with red tomatoes

Pesto Chicken: Ingredients & Substitutions

There are only 5 ingredients in this baked pesto chicken, we’ll discuss them as well as possible substituions.

overhead photo of the labeled ingredients in this pesto chicken recipe.

Chicken Breasts. I recommend organic, boneless skinless chicken breasts cut to a uniform thickness to ensure even cooking!
Olive oil. If desired, you can substitute avocado oil or canola oil in this recipe, however olive oil is the best. For the best flavor use a high-quality olive oil.
Pesto. I recommend making your own homemade basil pesto sauce for the best flavor. However, store-bought jarred pesto works well in the winter months when fresh basil isn’t readily available.
Minced Garlic. Fresh, rosted garlic can be used in place of minced garlic if desired.
Mozzarella cheese. You can use shredded or fresh mozzarella cheese on top of this pesto chicken, or omit the cheese all together if desired. I have used parmesan cheese in place of mozzarella with great results as well.

four baked pesto chicken breasts on a platter with tomatoes

How to Make Pesto Chicken

This pesto chicken recipe is so easy to make! As always, we’ll walk through the recipe step-by-step, and don’t forget to watch the video.

Marinate the Chicken

To begin, combine pesto, olive oil and minced garlic in a large bowl. Add the chicken and stir to coat. Cover and let marinate at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, or in the refrigerator for longer.

Bake

Next, place a wire rack in a 9×13” baking dish and lightly spray with cooking spray. Then, use a spatula to scrape most of the marinade off the chicken.

Place the breasts on the wire rack and sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper on top of each one. Then, spread 2 TBS pesto in an even layer on top of each chicken breast and bake for 15 minutes.

two photos showing how to make baked pesto chicken

Add Cheese & Bake Again

After 15 minutes, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on the pesto on each chicken breast and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the temperature of the chicken is 165 degrees F and the cheese is melted. (Bake time will be shorter if your breasts are thinner, longer if they’re thicker).

Serve

Once the chicken breasts reach 165 degrees F, remove them from the oven and and let cool slightly. Serve warm with your favorite sides. Here are some suggestions:

Serve this pesto chicken over pesto pasta or pesto tortellini (try making your own whole wheat pasta or homemade gnocchi), or with this easy risotto recipe!
My favorite way to enjoy this recipe is over a salad, my personal fave is this burrata salad. However pasta salad and caprese quinoa salad are also great choices.
Serve this baked pesto chicken with a side of roasted vegetables! I have so many roasted veggie recipes, like these balsamic roasted vegetables, roasted broccoli, Parmesan green beans, and bacon brussels sprouts or balsamic roasted brussels sprouts.
Homemade bread is a great side to this pesto chicken. Try this homemade french bread or the best no-knead bread!

four pesto chicken breasts on a platter with baby tomatoes

Store

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two months.

Baked pesto chicken breast whole over pasta with red tomatoes

Pesto Chicken Recipe FAQs

What sides go well with pesto chicken?

See above for my best suggestions! Crusty bread, roasted veggies, pasta and salad are my top picks.

Do you heat pesto before adding it to pasta?

No, simply add it to warm pasta and it will warm enough to eat.

Do you eat pesto pasta hot or cold?

I suggest, if eating it with this recipe, to enjoy it warm!

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