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Overhead view of sliced pesto chicken on a plate.
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5 from 1 vote

Pesto Chicken

Juicy, flavorful Baked Pesto Chicken is the perfect easy dinner! Coated in rich basil pesto and baked, this recipe is quick, delicious, and sure to become a family favorite.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Course: Chicken recipes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken breast recipes, pesto chicken
Servings: 4
Author: chefjar

Ingredients

  • 4 large boneless and skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup store-bought or homemade basil pesto plus 1/2 cup extra for serving.
  • Salt and pepper as needed
  • 1 pound cherry tomatoes optional as a serving idea

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F to warm up while you prepare the chicken.
  • Prepare the Chicken: Generously coat each chicken fillet with about 2 tablespoons of pesto, making sure all sides are covered. If you prefer, season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  • Bake the Chicken: Place the pesto-coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Add Tomatoes: After 20 minutes, take the chicken out of the oven and scatter tomatoes around each fillet.
  • Continue Baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.

Notes

Store the leftovers into an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition

Calories: 270kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 28g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 578mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g