If you’re looking for a flavorful weeknight winner, this Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe is the perfect dish to add to your rotation. It’s unbelievably simple yet bursting with savory pesto goodness, tender chicken, and a golden, crunchy topping that’s sure to impress your family or guests. Imagine juicy chicken breasts coated in a zesty basil pesto and creamy mayo mixture, baked to perfection with a crunchy breadcrumb layer that adds just the right amount of texture. This recipe delivers all the comfort and charm of an Italian-inspired meal without any fuss or hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for this recipe is all about simplicity and freshness, bringing out bold flavors with minimal effort. Each component adds a distinct touch—creamy mayonnaise for moisture, aromatic basil pesto for herbaceous flair, and crisp panko breadcrumbs for the irresistible crunch.
- 4 chicken breast halves (1.25 pounds): Choose thick, even pieces for uniform cooking and juiciness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural chicken flavor.
- 1/3 cup Hellman’s (Best Food’s) Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps the pesto stick beautifully to the chicken.
- 1/3 cup basil pesto: The star ingredient—fresh, herby, and rich in flavor.
- 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs (panko is best): Creates a light, crispy topping that contrasts perfectly with the tender chicken.
How to Make Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat is key to cooking the chicken through while crisping the breadcrumb topping quickly. Line a baking sheet with foil and coat it with nonstick spray for a hassle-free cleanup afterwards.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the pesto adhere better. Season all sides generously with salt and pepper—don’t be shy, this simple seasoning brings out the juicy, savory flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Arrange the Chicken on the Pan
Place each chicken breast on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart. Adequate airflow during baking ensures that the coating crisps up beautifully.
Step 4: Mix and Spread the Pesto Sauce
In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and basil pesto until smooth and well combined. Spoon this luscious mixture generously over each chicken breast, making sure to keep the sauce mostly on top to prevent it from sliding off during baking.
Step 5: Add the Crunch with Breadcrumbs
Sprinkle a good layer of panko breadcrumbs over the pesto-coated chicken. This step is the secret to that delicate, crackling crust that contrasts perfectly with the tender chicken beneath. Use about three tablespoons in total, adjusting if you love extra crunch.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfectly Cooked
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to guarantee juicy, safe-to-eat chicken. Use a meat thermometer for the best result, and look for clear juices as a sign of doneness.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Once baked to golden perfection, remove the chicken from the oven and serve right away to enjoy the crunchy topping at its best. This is a dish that tastes freshest hot out of the oven!
How to Serve Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese add a lovely touch of color and extra flavor. A quick squeeze of lemon juice just before serving elevates the pesto and brightens the dish with a citrus zing.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or a light pasta tossed with olive oil and garlic. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta provide a comforting base.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pesto chicken sliced atop a bed of quinoa or couscous for a vibrant, textured meal. Alternatively, pile the sliced chicken into warm pita pockets alongside some fresh greens and a drizzle of yogurt sauce for a fun twist on dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pesto chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it great for next-day lunches.
Freezing
This dish freezes well—wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will keep for up to two months without losing its delicious taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven or toaster oven to help restore some of the crisp breadcrumb coating. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and the chicken dry.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken besides breasts?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, you can also use boneless thighs for a juicier, slightly richer result. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it necessary to use mayonnaise in the pesto sauce?
Mayonnaise helps keep the pesto adhered and adds creaminess, but you could substitute with Greek yogurt or cream cheese if you prefer a lighter or tangier option.
How do I make sure the breadcrumbs stay crispy?
Using panko breadcrumbs and baking at a high temperature helps achieve that crispy texture. Avoid covering the breadcrumbs with sauce to keep them from getting soggy.
Can I prepare the pesto mixture ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the pesto and mayo up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just spread it on the chicken right before baking for best results.
What can I serve with this chicken for a low-carb meal?
Pair the chicken with roasted or steamed vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli for a satisfying, low-carb dinner.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easy Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe enough if you want something wholesome, quick, and packed with flavor. It hits all the right notes—juicy chicken, bright basil pesto, and crispy breadcrumbs—making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a simple yet elegant home-cooked meal that feels a little special every single time!
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: American
Description
This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with a creamy basil pesto mayo and crunchy panko breadcrumbs. Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner, it bakes in the oven to a perfect golden crust while keeping the chicken moist and tender.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breast halves (1.25 pounds)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1/3 cup Hellman’s (Best Food’s) Mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs (panko is best)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Prepare a baking sheet by coating it with nonstick spray, and lay down some foil for easier cleanup.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat each chicken breast dry using a paper towel and season all sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart to ensure even baking.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and basil pesto, stirring until well blended.
- Apply Sauce: Spoon the pesto mayo mixture on top of each chicken breast, spreading carefully to keep it from sliding off the edges. Avoid contaminating any leftover sauce if you plan to serve it on the side.
- Add Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle a generous amount of panko breadcrumbs over the pesto-coated chicken breasts, using about 3 tablespoons total to create a crispy topping.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Juices should run clear when pierced.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the chicken immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Using panko breadcrumbs provides a lighter, crunchier crust compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- For easy cleanup, line the baking sheet with foil under the spray.
- Using a meat thermometer is highly recommended to ensure perfectly cooked chicken without drying it out.
- Leftover sauce can be served with the cooked chicken for added flavor.
- Ensure chicken breasts are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
