Oh wow, where do I even start with this pesto chicken? The very first bite hit me like a flavor party — savory basil goodness, nutty Parmesan, and that subtle, fresh garlic kick dancing with tender, juicy chicken. I’ve had my fair share of basil pesto chicken dishes, but this one? Totally unforgettable. It’s like each piece was coated in sunshine and herb magic that just melts on your tongue.
I think what made this pesto chicken recipe stand out was the balance. Not too saucy, not dry — the perfect creamy pesto chicken situation where every forkful brings you that silky, vibrant green sauce that’s rich without being heavy. Plus, the subtle nuttiness of pine nuts in the pesto gave it this earthy depth that just got me hooked.
This flavor upgrade totally changed my weeknight dinner vibes. Taking a simple chicken breast and turning it into something beyond amazing? That’s the kind of kitchen win that keeps me excited to cook. If you love drool-worthy meals that don’t mess around on taste, our pesto chicken recipe is about to be your new obsession. Ready to dive into what makes this basil pesto chicken shine? Let’s go!
What You Need
These ingredients make this pesto chicken absolutely crave-worthy!
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds) – Grab fresh, high-quality chicken for the best pesto chicken experience.
- 1/2 cup basil pesto – Splurge on fresh basil pesto or use a trusted jar. The herb freshness makes all the difference.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melted cheese on this pesto chicken bake? Yes, please.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – This is the secret ingredient that takes pesto chicken over the top.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Use extra virgin for that fruity, rich flavor boost.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds another layer of garlic flavor to your pesto chicken recipe.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste – I’m always heavy on the seasoning for bold pesto chicken flavor.
- Optional: Cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes – For a juicy, tangy pop on top.
Shopping tips: Pick up pesto from the international aisle or your local cheese shop. Fresh basil pesto gives this chicken a real garden-fresh vibe, but high-quality jarred pesto works too, especially when you’re short on prep time.
Pro tip: Use pre-shredded mozzarella to save time, and keep your Parmesan freshly grated for that punch of sharp flavor in your pesto chicken bake.
How to Make It
This step is where the magic happens with your pesto chicken! Ready for hands-down one of the best dishes to make?
- Prep your chicken breasts by patting them dry and seasoning both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This sets the stage for flavorful pesto chicken.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken breasts and sear until golden on each side—about 4-5 minutes per side. Your kitchen will smell incredible while this pesto chicken cooks!
- Spread basil pesto generously over each chicken piece. Don’t hold back; that herbaceous sauce is key.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. This creamy pesto chicken moment is where your dinner really starts to come alive.
- Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese has melted into a gooey topping.
- Optional: Before baking, tuck some cherry or sun-dried tomatoes alongside the chicken for bursts of sweetness.
Here’s how to get restaurant-quality pesto chicken at home: use fresh basil pesto, don’t skip searing, and trust that baking step for perfect melting cheese that complements the chicken.
Timing guidance: This pesto chicken comes together in under 40 minutes — perfect for a weekday dinner that feels fancy without the fuss.
Serving This Up
This pesto chicken pairs like a dream with so many sides! My favorites are a bright arugula salad, garlic roasted potatoes, or even creamy mashed cauliflower for a low-carb twist.
Serve this pesto chicken at your next gathering and watch it disappear! Everyone loves the rich pesto sauce paired with melty cheese and juicy chicken. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but is secretly so easy.
For plating ideas, drizzle some extra dollops of pesto over the top and garnish with fresh basil or pine nuts for that extra oomph. It makes every bite look as good as it tastes when you snap pics for the ‘gram.
Love leftovers? Use your pesto chicken recipe leftovers for a quick pesto chicken pasta by shredding the chicken and mixing it with your favorite cooked pasta and a splash more pesto. Speaking of the ultimate creamy pesto chicken, you should def check out Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake — it’s an absolute flavor-packed groove fest!
Seasonal twist alert: Top this pesto chicken with toasted walnuts or swap mozzarella for burrata in summer for that extra creaminess.
Your Questions Answered
How do I make this pesto chicken extra flavorful? Always use fresh basil pesto and season your chicken well before searing. Adding garlic powder alongside the pesto layers on more herbal goodness.
Can I meal prep this pesto chicken? Absolutely. Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to keep it juicy.
What’s the best way to reheat pesto chicken without losing quality? Reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil to keep moisture locked in. Microwave works only if you’re in a serious rush.
Can I swap chicken breasts for thighs? Yes! Thighs are even juicier and more forgiving.
Does this pesto chicken recipe freeze well? Yes, freeze cooked chicken in pesto sauce separately. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I make a creamy pesto chicken pasta from leftovers? Totally. Just mix shredded pesto chicken with cooked pasta and a splash of cream or milk—like this one-pot creamy pesto chicken pasta recipe.
What if I want to add veggies? Try adding roasted asparagus or spinach when baking for a complete meal.
Final Bites
This pesto chicken deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation because it’s that good. It’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough to serve company.
My Foodie Tips:
- Use fresh basil pesto for full-flavor bursts.
- Sear the chicken before baking to lock in juices.
- Don’t skimp on the cheese — melty mozzarella plus Parmesan equals pure magic.
Three pesto chicken recipe variations I love? A cozy creamy pesto chicken bake loaded with cheese, a vibrant basil pesto chicken pasta for easy weeknight dinners, and a zingy pesto chicken salad that’s perfect for warmer days (check out this refreshing chicken salad option here).
The basil pesto chicken tends to be the crowd favorite, but my heart loves the creamy pesto chicken for that luscious sauce factor.
I can’t wait for you to try this pesto chicken recipe and make it your own. Flavor-packed, satisfying, and downright drool-worthy — what more could we ask for? Dive in and share your versions with me!
For more flavor-packed recipes, check out this honey sriracha chicken rice bowl or this melt-in-your-mouth option, a perfect next step after pesto chicken: melt-in-your-mouth chicken delight.
Oh, and if pesto pasta’s your thing, don’t miss this incredible pesto chicken pasta bake that’s like pesto chicken’s glow-up in pasta form.
Ready to make your kitchen smell like pesto heaven? Let’s get cooking!
pesto chicken
Pesto chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in vibrant basil pesto, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the skillet from heat and spread a generous layer of basil pesto evenly over each chicken breast.
- Top with cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Remove from oven, let rest for a few minutes, then serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, serve pesto chicken over cooked pasta or alongside a fresh green salad.