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    Baked Pesto Chicken

    Easy Chicken Recipes 30-Minute Meals Gluten Free Low Carb Main Courses March 18, 2023 | By Kristen Chidsey | 12 Comments | *This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe
    Pesto Chicken is one of the easiest, most flavorful recipes for chicken breast. Coated with pesto, smothered in cheese, and topped with fresh tomatoes, humble chicken breasts turn into an elegant meal with minimal effort.

    Pesto Baked Chicken, smothered in cheese and served with fresh tomatoes, is one of the easiest, yet most flavorful recipes for chicken breasts.

    Plate with baked pesto chicken topped with fresh tomatoes and basil.


    When it comes to dinner, my motto is to keep it simple, yet wholesome and flavorful.

    Some of my favorite examples of simple, flavorful chicken recipes, include Stir-Fried Chicken and Bok Choy, Easy Low-Carb Chicken Cordon Bleu, and this recipe for Pesto Chicken.

    From the bright herby flavors of the pesto to the gooey cheese to the burst of freshness from tomatoes, this Chicken Pesto is insanely delicious and super simple to make. It is a dinner recipe I turn to when I want flavor fast and have zero energy to cook.

    why you'll love this pesto chicken recipe

    • Crazy-Good Flavor. Who can resist the combination of rich, vibrant pesto and melty cheese? Simple, yet perfect!
    • Insanely Easy Recipe. With just a few ingredients and MINUTES of hands-on prep, this recipe for Chicken Pesto transforms humble chicken from ho-hum, into something spectacular! What more could you ask for on a busy weeknight?
    • Low-Carb. Pesto, cheese, and chicken are all low-carb ingredients. You can keep this pesto chicken extremely low in carbs by omitting the fresh tomato topping. The dish will still be delicious!

    Notes on Ingredients

    Ingredients for Pesto Chicken on counter labeled.
    • Chicken: For this recipe, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken cutlets.
    • Pesto: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade basil pesto.
    • Cheese: I use both shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese to top the chicken and add a rich, salty, creamy finish. Feel free to use sliced fresh mozzarella cheese or a blend of Italian cheeses in place of the shredded mozzarella and parmesan.
    • Tomato Topping: To give this baked chicken pesto a fresh finish and texture, I love tossing together grape tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and basil. It is completely optional but takes this recipe for Pesto Chicken from great to spectacular.

    How to Make Pesto Chicken

    • Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise so you end up with thin, evenly sized chicken cutlets that are no thicker than ½-inch. Skip this step if you are using prepared thin chicken cutlets.
    Side by side photo showing cutting chicken breast into thin cutlets.
    • Place the chicken cutlets into a baking dish that has been lightly brushed with olive oil.
    • Top each chicken cutlet with about ½ tablespoon of the pesto. Brush the pesto evenly over the chicken breasts.
    • Flip the chicken over and repeat the process, so that both sides of the chicken are evenly coated with pesto.
    Side by side photo showing pesto before and after spread on chicken breasts.
    • Bake the pesto chicken for 15 minutes and then remove the pan from the oven.
    • Top the partially baked chicken with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
    Baked pesto chicken topped with parmesan and mozzarella.
    • Return the chicken to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and the chicken has reached 165 degrees F.
    • While the chicken is finishing baking, toss together the diced tomatoes with a bit of olive oil and salt and pepper.
    Grape tomatoes tossed with basil, salt and pepper.
    • Remove the chicken from the oven and top it with the fresh tomato topping and serve.
    Baked Chicken topped with pesto, cheese, and fresh tomatoes.

    Serving Suggestions

    Pesto Chicken makes a delicious low-carb meal when paired with a side salad, like a Caprese Salad or Greek Salad. This recipe for chicken pesto also pairs well with Rice Pilaf, Smashed Potatoes, or Parmesan Roasted Broccoli.

    Chicken breasts with pesto, mozzarella and tomatoes on white plate.

    More Easy Chicken Recipes

    • Honey Lemon Chicken Skillet
    • Chicken Katsu
    • Moo Goo Gai Pan
    • Marry Me Chicken
    • Chicken Florentine

    Need more inspiration for planning meals that your family will love? Sign up for my FREE Meal Plans and each week you will get a meal plan with a shopping list.

    If you enjoyed this simple recipe for Pesto Chicken, I would appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment and review below.

    Chicken breasts with pesto, mozzarella and tomatoes on white plate.

    Pesto Chicken

    Chicken cutlets are coated in pesto, smothered in cheese, and topped with fresh tomatoes to create simple and delicious Baked Pesto Chicken.
    5 from 10 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 18 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 28 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 256kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    For the Pesto Chicken

    • olive oil for greasing pan
    • 2 large chicken breasts or 4 thin chicken cutlets
    • ¼ cup homemade or store-bought pesto
    • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese

    Tomato Topping

    • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes

      halved
    • ½ tablespoon olive oil
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • freshly ground black pepper
    • 4-5 fresh basil leaves cut into ribbons
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 400° F. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil.
    • Slice chicken breast horizontally to create 4 thinner cutlets. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
    • Place the chicken into the prepared pan. Top each chicken breast with ½ tablespoon of the pesto, rubbing or brushing the pesto evenly on the chicken cutlets. Flip the chicken, and repeat the process so that both sides are coated in pesto.
    • Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 158-160 degrees F.
    • Remove the chicken from the oven and top with the mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
    • Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
    • Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest, for the juices to redistribute.
    • While the chicken is resting, toss together the tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and basil.
    • Serve the chicken warm with the fresh tomato topping.

    Notes

    Chicken: If using chicken cutlets, you will need to use a total of 4 cutlets, and be sure to pound them out to ½-inch thickness if needed. 
    Tomatoes: Feel free to use any ripe tomatoes you have on hand, just be sure if using vine-ripened or Roma tomatoes to remove the seeds before dicing to keep the topping from being watered down. 
    Leftovers: Baked Pesto Chicken and be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It is best to store the tomato topping in a separate container and top the chicken once warmed with the fresh tomatoes. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 256kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 549mg | Potassium: 432mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 482IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 132mg | Iron: 1mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!
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    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

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    1. Amy Anderson

      June 10, 2022 at 4:24 pm

      5 stars
      Made this last night-used your pesto recipe as well. Absolutely delicious!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        June 10, 2022 at 7:13 pm

        I love hearing that Amy! I hope you are doing well!

        Reply
    2. Jennifer

      June 02, 2022 at 1:29 am

      5 stars
      One of my FAV easy dinners!! So tasty!

      Reply
    3. Kara

      June 01, 2022 at 12:25 am

      5 stars
      Ridiculously easy, but packed with flavor! Can't wait to make it again when we have garden fresh tomatoes!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        June 01, 2022 at 7:05 am

        Isn't that the best kind of meal?! Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
    4. Katie

      May 21, 2022 at 4:50 pm

      5 stars
      Pesto makes anything that much better. I love how easy and flavorful this is!

      Reply
    5. Ann

      May 14, 2022 at 6:43 pm

      How many tomatoes?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        May 15, 2022 at 12:06 pm

        I use 1-pint cherry/grape tomatoes. You can use 2 cups of diced, seeded roma or vine-ripened tomatoes.

        Reply
    6. Reginia Sam

      May 14, 2022 at 1:50 pm

      Question, my husband hates chicken breast, can I use skinless thighs

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        May 15, 2022 at 12:00 pm

        Absolutely!

        Reply
        • Beth

          June 04, 2022 at 9:14 pm

          5 stars
          This pesto chicken turned out great! My family all went back for seconds. I used your pesto recipe, which is also fabulous.

          Reply
          • Kristen Chidsey

            June 05, 2022 at 6:30 am

            Thanks Beth! I love hearing you enjoyed both recipes 🙂

            Reply

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    Pesto Chicken is one of the easiest, most flavorful recipes for chicken breast. Coated with pesto, smothered in cheese, and topped with fresh tomatoes, humble chicken breasts turn into an elegant meal with minimal effort.

    Meet a Mind "Full" Mom

    A Picture of A Mind"Full"Mom

    Hi! I'm Kristen. I want to welcome you into my kitchen and my REAL, imperfect life. Let me share with you tips and tricks to help you make healthy eating a reality for your family in the chaos of life and on the constraints of a budget. Read more

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    Pesto Chicken is one of the easiest, most flavorful recipes for chicken breast. Coated with pesto, smothered in cheese, and topped with fresh tomatoes, humble chicken breasts turn into an elegant meal with minimal effort.

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