Baked Pesto Chicken

Pesto Baked Chicken, smothered in cheese and served with fresh tomatoes, is one of the easiest, yet most flavorful recipes for chicken breasts.

When it comes to dinner, my motto is to keep it simple, yet wholesome and flavorful.

Some of my favorite examples of simple, flavorful chicken recipes, include Stir-Fried Chicken and Bok Choy, Easy Low-Carb Chicken Cordon Bleu, and this recipe for Pesto Chicken.

From the bright herby flavors of the pesto to the gooey cheese to the burst of freshness from tomatoes, this Chicken Pesto is insanely delicious and super simple to make. It is a dinner recipe I turn to when I want flavor fast and have zero energy to cook.

Notes on Ingredients

• Chicken: For this recipe, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken cutlets.
• Pesto: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade basil pesto.
• Cheese: I use both shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese to top the chicken and add a rich, salty, creamy finish. Feel free to use sliced fresh mozzarella cheese or a blend of Italian cheeses in place of the shredded mozzarella and parmesan.
• Tomato Topping: To give this baked chicken pesto a fresh finish and texture, I love tossing together grape tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and basil. It is completely optional but takes this recipe for Pesto Chicken from great to spectacular.

How to Make Pesto Chicken

• Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise so you end up with thin, evenly sized chicken cutlets that are no thicker than ½-inch. Skip this step if you are using prepared thin chicken cutlets.

• Place the chicken cutlets into a baking dish that has been lightly brushed with olive oil.
• Top each chicken cutlet with about ½ tablespoon of the pesto. Brush the pesto evenly over the chicken breasts.
• Flip the chicken over and repeat the process, so that both sides of the chicken are evenly coated with pesto.

• Bake the pesto chicken for 15 minutes and then remove the pan from the oven.
• Top the partially baked chicken with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

• Return the chicken to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and the chicken has reached 165 degrees F.
• While the chicken is finishing baking, toss together the diced tomatoes with a bit of olive oil and salt and pepper.

• Remove the chicken from the oven and top it with the fresh tomato topping and serve.

Serving Suggestions

Pesto Chicken makes a delicious low-carb meal when paired with a side salad, like a Caprese Salad or Greek Salad. This recipe for chicken pesto also pairs well with Rice Pilaf, Smashed Potatoes, or Parmesan Roasted Broccoli.

More Easy Chicken Recipes

• Honey Lemon Chicken Skillet
• Chicken Katsu
• Moo Goo Gai Pan
• Marry Me Chicken
• Chicken Florentine

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If you enjoyed this simple recipe for Pesto Chicken, I would appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment and review below.