This easy, one-dish pesto baked chicken breast is a fan favourite all year round! It’s incredibly easy to make as you really only need to assemble the ingredients and then let the oven to the work. Though this recipe only contains 5 ingredients, I promise that it doesn’t cheap out on flavour! It’s cheesy and delicious, yet fresh-tasting. Let’s me explore the recipe in detail, along with customize, and serving ideas.
1. 5 Ingredient Pesto Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 organic boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 roma tomatoes
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese (width x length of chicken breast)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400F.
Put the chicken breasts on a cutting board and season both sides with salt and pepper.
With a sheet of parchment paper over top of them, pound them down so that they are about 3/4″ thick. Place them in a medium-sized baking dish.
Spoon the pesto on top of each breast so that it covers almost the entire top of the breast.
Wash and slice the tomatoes and place the slices over top of the pesto on each breast, overlapping a bit.
Add a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each breast.
Bake for 25 minutes and then let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
2. Customize For This Recipe
Pesto Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier alternative. Adjust the baking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook.
Creamy Pesto Chicken: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to the pesto before spreading it over the chicken for a creamy twist.
Using other types of tomatoes: You can use cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes instead of roma tomatoes to top the pesto.
Customize the cheese: While mozzarella works beautifully, other cheeses like provolone, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack can also be used to complement the pesto.
3. What to Serve with Pesto Chicken
Pesto chicken is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides that complement its rich flavors. Here are some ideas:
Pasta:
- Serve the chicken over a bed of spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine tossed in olive oil or additional pesto.
Vegetables:
- Roasted asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli make excellent side dishes.
- A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken.
Grains:
- Serve with fluffy white rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the flavorful juices.
- Lemon-infused rice adds a refreshing citrusy touch.
Bread:
- Crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls make great accompaniments.
- Try serving with focaccia for an Italian-inspired pairing.
Potatoes:
- Roasted baby potatoes or mashed potatoes pair beautifully with this dish.
- For a lighter option, try a baked sweet potato on the side.
This 5-ingredient pesto chicken recipe is a go-to dish for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. With helpful guides in the article, I hope that you can to make this delicious meal a favorite in your home!
