If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor but still incredibly simple to whip up, this Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Imagine juicy chicken breasts baked to perfection under a luscious layer of creamy mayo and vibrant basil pesto, topped with crunchy golden breadcrumbs that bring just the right amount of texture. It’s a dish that looks impressive, tastes gourmet, yet requires minimal effort, making weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a key role in building layers of flavor and texture without any fuss. From the tender chicken to the aromatic basil pesto, every component is essential for that perfect balance.
- Chicken breasts: Four halves provide a juicy, lean protein base that bakes evenly.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess while helping the pesto stick to the chicken perfectly.
- Basil pesto: Infuses the dish with fresh herbaceous notes and a touch of garlicky richness.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Deliver a satisfyingly crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat.
How to Make Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to a hot 425°F. This high heat is crucial to ensure the chicken cooks quickly and the breadcrumb topping crisps up nicely without drying out the meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture—this step helps the seasonings stick better and prevents steaming. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to bring out the savory taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts on a foil-lined baking sheet to keep cleanup easy. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and basil pesto until smooth. This creamy pesto mixture will coat the chicken with a rich, flavorful layer that locks in moisture while baking.
Step 4: Add the Breadcrumbs
Spoon the pesto mayo mixture over the chicken breasts evenly, reserving some for serving if you like an extra burst of pesto flavor. Then, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the top—this adds a golden crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender, juicy chicken beneath.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know the chicken is perfectly cooked when its internal temperature reads 165°F and the juices run clear. The topping will be golden and crisp, making every bite a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Pull the chicken out of the oven and serve immediately. This dish shines best when warm, with the pesto’s aroma filling the air and the crispy topping still at its peak crunchiness.
How to Serve Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches really elevate this recipe—sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or chopped toasted pine nuts on top for a nutty bite. Fresh basil leaves provide a bright, herbal lift and a pop of green color that makes the dish even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Consider serving it alongside garlic roasted potatoes, a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or a fluffy bed of quinoa that soaks up any extra pesto sauce. Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans also complement the flavors beautifully without overpowering the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or a relaxed family meal, plate the chicken over a swirl of creamy mashed potatoes or a nest of herbed pasta. Drizzle the reserved pesto mayo on the side for dipping. You can even slice the chicken and serve it as a warm salad topper on a bed of arugula and cherry tomatoes for a lighter option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pesto topping may soften slightly but the flavors deepen, making tasty reheated meals. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods to maintain freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover baked pesto chicken by wrapping individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or placing them in freezer-safe containers. Frozen chicken retains its quality for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture just right.
Reheating
For best results when reheating, warm the chicken gently in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes to revive the crispy breadcrumb crust without drying out the meat. Microwaving works in a pinch but may soften the topping. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil after reheating to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts before starting the recipe. Cooking frozen chicken directly will lead to uneven baking and could affect the final texture and food safety.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Most pesto contains Parmesan cheese, but you can use dairy-free pesto versions available at stores or make your own. The mayo and breadcrumbs are typically dairy-free, so just check labels to be certain.
Can I substitute pesto with another sauce?
If you want to switch things up, try sun-dried tomato pesto or even a tapenade for different flavor profiles. Just keep in mind the flavor balance changes, but the method remains the same.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the regular panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts like almonds or pecans for crunch. This keeps the texture delightful without compromising taste.
What’s the best way to tell when the chicken is done?
The most accurate way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should read 165°F. Juices running clear when you cut into the chicken is also a good visual clue that it’s fully cooked.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe effortlessly combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps into a dish that’s both satisfying and impressive. One bite of the tender chicken topped with vibrant pesto and crunchy breadcrumbs, and you’ll see why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection. I can’t wait for you to make it and share that joyful, flavorful dinner moment with friends or family.
Print
Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts topped with a flavorful mixture of basil pesto and mayonnaise, finished with a crispy breadcrumb topping. Quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner, it delivers deliciously juicy meat with a savory, herby crust.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breast halves (about 1.25 pounds)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- ⅓ cup Hellman’s or Best Foods Mayonnaise
- â…“ cup basil pesto
- 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs (panko is best)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat it lightly with a nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the topping adheres well. Season both sides of each chicken breast generously with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts evenly on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and basil pesto until well mixed. Spoon this pesto mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, reserving some for serving if desired.
- Add the Breadcrumbs: Evenly sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over each pesto-coated chicken breast, creating a crispy topping layer.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken registers 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer and the juices run clear when pierced.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Serve immediately, optionally spooning some of the reserved pesto mixture over the chicken for extra flavor.
Notes
- Using panko breadcrumbs gives a lighter, crispier topping compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the topping before baking.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
