Easy enough for a weeknight, elegant enough for guests.

Perfect Pesto Chicken

We love this recipe because it’s so easy to make!

I prefer homemade pesto but of course, store-bought works well in this recipe too!

While many recipes add a lot of the pesto before baking, I find it separates and becomes oily. We prefer to add just enough to flavor the chicken while baking and add more at the end.

The flavors of this pesto chicken are rich and bold and fresh tomatoes add a bit of freshness in every bite.

Ingredients

All of these ingredients are easy to find, especially the chicken. Stock up when they are on sale and they’ll be ready when you need them!

CHICKEN Boneless-skinless chicken breasts are used in this recipe but bone-in (split chicken breasts) will work too. The cook time may need to be adjusted.

PESTO A batch of homemade or even store-bought pesto provides everything needed to flavor this chicken… a bit of oil, some garlic, herbs. I like to add a splash of balsamic for sweetness.

CHEESE Mozzarella cheese and a pinch of Italian seasonings are all that’s needed! But we also like switching up the flavor profile, try it with Muenster or provolone if desired.

TOPPING A really quick version of our favorite bruschetta topping is the perfect topper for this chicken.

Variations

  • Flatten the chicken breasts, place a slice of mozzarella cheese in the center with a scoopful of pesto, roll, and bake for a stuffed version!
  • Swap out the pesto for sundried tomato pesto.
  • Weather permitting, grill the chicken breasts (marinate in most of the pesto). Add the cheese just until melty and remove from the grill. Top with additoinal pesto and tomatoes to serve!

How to Make Pesto Chicken

Pesto chicken is super easy to make, but the taste is restaurant-worthy!

  • Toss chicken with balsamic and a bit of pesto. Brown and place in a casserole dish to bake.
  • While chicken is baking, prepare tomato topping.
  • Once cooked through, add more pesto and a slice of mozzarella cheese. Bake just until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes more.
  • Spoon tomato topping over top and serve.

Leftovers

Pesto chicken will keep in the refrigerator for about 4 days if it is covered. Reheat it in a toaster oven or on the stovetop in a covered sauté pan with a bit of water to keep it moist. Add an extra layer of cheese and serve with a dash or two of salt and pepper!

Perfect Pesto Recipes

  • Creamy Pesto Pasta – so creamy
  • Easy Homemade Basil Pesto – fresh & flavorful
  • Pesto Mac and Cheese – ready in 20 minutes
  • Pesto Pasta Salad – with bocconcini
  • Herb Basil Pesto – Only takes 5 minutes

Did you make this Pesto Chicken? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below! 

Pesto Chicken

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

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