Easy Pesto Chicken Bake Recipe for a Quick Dinner
A Quick and Delicious Dinner the Whole Family Will Love
When you’re short on time but craving a meal that’s full of flavor and comfort, this pesto chicken bake is the answer. It’s creamy, cheesy, herby, and unbelievably easy to pull together. Whether you’re making dinner for your family, prepping meals for the week, or hosting friends for a casual get-together, this dish checks all the boxes.
What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. With a few pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients, you can transform ordinary chicken breasts into something extraordinary. The star of the show—basil pesto—adds bold, aromatic notes that pair beautifully with juicy chicken, melty cheese, and roasted tomatoes. It’s everything you love about a comforting baked dish but without the heavy lifting.
So, grab your baking dish and let’s get cooking.
Table of Contents
Ingredients List (pesto chicken bake recipe)
Here’s everything you need for this pesto chicken bake recipe. These measurements serve four people, but you can easily scale it up or down depending on your needs.
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps and your pesto chicken bake will come out bubbling and golden every time.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking the chicken through while allowing the cheese to melt and brown beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to help them sear and bake evenly. Place them in a lightly greased baking dish.
Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can slice them in half horizontally or gently pound them to even thickness. This ensures faster and more uniform cooking.
Step 3: Spread the Pesto
Spoon a generous amount of basil pesto over each chicken breast. Spread it evenly using the back of your spoon so every bite is infused with that herby goodness.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Cheese
Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes over and around the chicken in the baking dish. They’ll roast alongside the chicken and add juicy bursts of flavor.
Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the chicken, followed by a light dusting of grated Parmesan. The mozzarella makes it gooey, while the Parmesan gives a salty kick and helps create a golden crust.
Step 5: Drizzle with Olive Oil
Drizzle the olive oil lightly over everything—this helps the tomatoes caramelize and adds richness to the dish.
Step 6: Bake
Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). If you want a bubbly, golden top, switch on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes—but keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let the pesto chicken bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added freshness.
Tips and Variations
This pesto chicken bake is very forgiving and flexible. Here are some extra tips and ways to mix things up:
Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts
Prefer dark meat? You can easily substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breasts. They’re juicier and tend to stay tender, even if slightly overcooked.
Make It Creamier
For an extra indulgent twist, spread a thin layer of cream cheese or ricotta under the pesto before baking. It creates a creamy, melty layer that complements the pesto perfectly.
Add Vegetables
Want to make it a one-dish meal? Toss in sliced zucchini, baby spinach, or asparagus alongside the tomatoes. Just make sure they’re cut small enough to cook in 25–30 minutes.
Cheese Swap
No mozzarella? No problem. Try provolone, fontina, or even crumbled feta. Just avoid cheeses that don’t melt well like goat cheese or dry aged varieties.
Use Homemade Pesto
If you’ve got a food processor and a bunch of basil, making your own pesto is a great way to elevate this dish. You can even get creative and use spinach, arugula, or kale instead of basil.
Make It Low-Carb
This recipe is naturally low in carbs, making it perfect for keto or paleo diets. Serve with roasted veggies or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
Storage Instructions
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this pesto chicken bake stores beautifully.
- Refrigerator: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water before reheating if it looks a little dry.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 25–30 minutes | 35–40 minutes | 4 servings |
What to Serve with Pesto Chicken Bake
This dish is quite versatile when it comes to sides. Here are some ideas:
- Pasta: A simple penne or spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic.
- Garlic Bread: The perfect vehicle for soaking up that melted cheese and pesto sauce.
- Roasted Veggies: Try broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
- Salad: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the bake.
If you’re prepping this as a meal for the week, pair it with quinoa or couscous for something light yet filling.
Ingredient Substitutions and Allergy-Friendly Options
Here are a few easy tweaks if you’re working around dietary restrictions or missing an ingredient:
- Dairy-Free: Use a vegan pesto and substitute the cheese with plant-based versions.
- Nut-Free: Many store-bought pestos contain pine nuts or cashews. If you’re making homemade pesto, use sunflower seeds or skip the nuts entirely.
- Gluten-Free: The dish is naturally gluten-free—just double-check the pesto label if store-bought.
Final Thoughts
This pesto chicken bake is the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but special enough to serve to guests. With minimal prep and cleanup, you get maximum flavor and satisfaction. What’s not to love?
Feel free to tweak it to your taste, add your favorite sides, or double the recipe for a crowd. Whether you’re just getting into cooking or you’re a seasoned home chef, this dish is as easy as it is rewarding.
Happy cooking!
