Pesto Chicken Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
438 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Pesto Chicken Recipe
Description
This Pesto Chicken Recipe involves baking seasoned chicken breasts in a greased baking dish, then topping them with pesto, tomato slices, and mozzarella cheese before a short additional bake. The initial baking cooks the chicken through, while the finishing bake melts the cheese and blends flavors.
The oven temperature of 450°F helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly, preserving juiciness. The avocado oil spray promotes even browning and prevents sticking. The combination of pesto, tomato, and cheese creates a layered flavor with herbaceous, tart, and creamy elements.
This dish is best served immediately after baking to enjoy the melted cheese and tender chicken. It works well as a main course paired with vegetables, grains, or salads. Using an instant-read thermometer ensures the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Broiling for 1 to 2 minutes can brown the cheese if the baking dish is broiler-safe. Bone-in thighs can be substituted with adjusted baking times. Leftover chicken slices work well cold on salads; warm leftovers gently to avoid drying out.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breast 8 ounces each, boneless skinless
- Avocado oil spray
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or ¼ teaspoon of any other salt, including Morton kosher salt, Diamond Crystal brand
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup pesto sauce homemade or store-bought
- 8 tomato from 2 medium tomatoes, thin slices
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Grease a rimmed 3-quart baking dish (such as a 9 X 13-inch baking dish).
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spray them with oil and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Bake them for 20 minutes.
- Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Spread 2 tablespoons of pesto sauce on top of each chicken breast. Arrange 2 tomato slices on top, and sprinkle them with 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella.
- Return the chicken to the oven. Bake until the chicken is cooked through (its internal temperature should reach 165ºF) and the cheese is melted, about 5 more minutes. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If available, broil the finished dish for 1-2 minutes to lightly brown the melted cheese.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm chicken is fully cooked, aiming for 165ºF internal temperature.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs can substitute breasts; reduce first baking stage to 15 minutes and verify doneness.
- Store leftovers in a sealed container for 3-4 days; gently reheat at low power to retain moisture or slice cold for salads.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 438 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1chicken breast | |
| Calories | 438kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 49g | 98% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Sodium | 775mg | 32% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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