• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • About
  • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Dinner at the Zoo

  • All Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Appetizers
  • Dessert
  • One Pot Meals
  • Slow Cooker
  • Asian Food

Home » Dinner » Pesto Chicken Recipe

Published: December 2, 2020 Last Modified: December 2, 2020 By Sara 14 Comments

Pesto Chicken Recipe

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
This pesto chicken recipe is seared chicken breasts topped with pesto sauce and mozzarella cheese, then baked to golden brown perfection and served with fresh tomatoes.

This pesto chicken recipe is seared chicken breasts topped with pesto sauce and mozzarella cheese, then baked to golden brown perfection and served with fresh tomatoes. A quick and easy dinner option that’s full of flavor.

When I’m looking for a way to dress up plain old chicken breasts, I make bacon wrapped chicken, baked chicken parmesan, or this simple yet satisfying pesto chicken.

This pesto chicken recipe is seared chicken breasts topped with pesto sauce and mozzarella cheese, then baked to golden brown perfection and served with fresh tomatoes. This pesto chicken recipe is seared chicken breasts topped with pesto sauce and mozzarella cheese, then baked to golden brown perfection and served with fresh tomatoes.

Pesto chicken in a baking dish with melted cheese and cherry tomatoes.

Pesto, tomato and cheese is a classic flavor combination that never goes out of style. This pesto chicken combines all of these fabulous flavors in the form of a hearty dinner option that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.

How do you make pesto chicken?

Start by searing chicken breasts in a pan until they’re golden brown. Whisk together a sauce of pesto, chicken broth, garlic and seasonings, then pour the sauce over the chicken. Bake until the chicken is cooked through, then add a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese and broil until the cheese is golden brown. Add a handful of halved cherry tomatoes to the dish, then you’ll be ready to eat!

Seared chicken breasts in a pan.

Tips for the perfect chicken

  • I highly recommend browning your chicken before you place it in the pan to bake. I think it’s worth the extra time! That being said, if you’re in a big hurry you can skip this step and simply place the uncooked chicken in the pan with the sauce poured over the top.
  • Be sure to choose chicken breasts that are approximately the same size so that they cook at the same rate.  T
  • his recipe assumes that your chicken breasts are about 4-5 ounces each. If your chicken breasts are significantly larger or smaller, you may need to adjust the cook time accordingly.
  • You can check to see if your chicken is done by cutting into a breast; there should be no pink inside and the juices should run clear. Alternatively, you can use a thermometer. A thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast needs to register at least 165 degrees F.
  • You can make your own pesto, or use a store bought version. When I’m short on time, I use store bought pesto. Look for pesto in the refrigerator area along with the fresh ravioli and pasta. Some of my favorite brands of pesto include Kirkland (Costco) and Three Bridges.
  • You can use fresh mozzarella or  part-skim mozzarella, either one will be delicious.
  • I like to use cherry tomatoes, but grape tomatoes or diced roma tomatoes will also work just fine.

Chicken breasts covered in a pesto sauce.

How to make pesto

To make your own pesto for this recipe, place 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts in a food processor along with 1 teaspoon chopped garlic and 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese. Pulse the ingredients until finely ground. Add 3 cups of fresh basil leaves to the food processor along with salt and pepper to taste. Turn the food processor on and slowly pour in 1/2 cup olive oil. Blend until a smooth sauce forms.

Baked chicken in basil sauce topped with shredded cheese.

Recipe Variations

I love this recipe as-is, but you can add other ingredients if you prefer to switch things up a bit.

  • Veggies: Add some raw vegetables to your baking dish to cook along with the chicken. Some of my favorites include green beans, asparagus, mushrooms or zucchini.
  • Cheese: Swap out the mozzarella for a different cheese such as fontina or provolone.
  • Flavorings: Amp up the flavor with a sprinkling of sliced olives, buttered breadcrumbs or sun dried tomatoes.

What sides go with pesto chicken?

This dish is perfect with a side of pasta tossed in butter or olive oil. You can also serve your pesto chicken over rice or mashed potatoes with great results. I also always serve a green vegetable, such as asparagus, green beans or broccoli.

A plate of pesto chicken served with green beans.

Pesto chicken is simple to make, yet packs big bold flavors. You’ll feel like you’re eating at a restaurant when you savor this dish!

OTHER CHICKEN RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

  • Bruschetta Chicken
  • Honey Mustard Chicken
  • Chicken and Asparagus Stir Fry
  • Chicken Santa Fe
  • Monterey Chicken

Pesto Chicken Video

Pesto chicken in a baking dish with melted cheese and cherry tomatoes.
Print Pin
5 from 13 votes

Pesto Chicken

This pesto chicken recipe is seared chicken breasts topped with pesto sauce and mozzarella cheese, then baked to golden brown perfection and served with fresh tomatoes. A quick and easy dinner option that's full of flavor.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 271kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts approximately 4 medium sized breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley can also use fresh basil
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • cooking spray
  • fresh basil or parsley sprigs for garnish optional

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side or until browned.
  • Transfer the chicken to a baking dish coated with cooking spray. 
  • In a small bowl, mix together the butter, garlic, chicken broth, pesto and lemon juice. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
  • Bake for 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Bake time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. The chicken is done when it reads at least 165 degrees F on a meat thermometer.
  • Sprinkle the cheese over the chicken. Set the oven to broil and cook for 3-4 minutes or until cheese is melted and browned.
  • Sprinkle with parsley and arrange the tomatoes in the dish. Serve, garnished with basil or parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 271kcal | Protein: 30g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 113mg | Sodium: 293mg | Potassium: 536mg | Vitamin A: 305IU | Vitamin C: 5.6mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.7mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @DinnerAtTheZoo or tag #dinneratthezoo!
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Filed Under: Dinner, Featured Recipes

FREE TOOLKIT: 5 Secrets to Meal Planning

Learn my 5 Meal Planning Secrets & get my Meal Planning Toolkit...FREE!

    ​
    ​

    Still hungry? Follow Dinner at the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more great recipe ideas!

    « Oven Roasted Potatoes
    Taco Lasagna »

    Comments

    1. Rebecca Caruso says

      January 10, 2022 at 3:22 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious ! I absolutely loved the pesto chicken! Such an easy recipe to follow! amazing taste one of my favorite recipes from this website

      Reply
    2. Ruthie says

      April 19, 2021 at 1:37 pm

      5 stars
      Beyond wonderful! I served it over pasta and we loved it!

      Reply
    3. Scottie says

      January 5, 2021 at 11:47 am

      5 stars
      Tried this today, everyone loved it! I halved and threw the cherry tomatoes in to bake with the chicken and everything was so unbelievably wonderful! Will make again for SURE!

      Reply
    4. Valentina says

      December 16, 2020 at 5:56 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious and EASY pesto chicken recipe that makes for a great dinner! LOVE IT!

      Reply
    5. Jacque Hooper says

      December 16, 2020 at 3:06 pm

      5 stars
      Gave this a try last night and it didn’t disappoint! So flavorful and easy; the whole family loved it!

      Reply
    6. Katie says

      December 16, 2020 at 2:50 pm

      5 stars
      Looks so good! Can’t wait to try this one.

      Reply
    7. wilhelmina says

      December 16, 2020 at 2:32 pm

      5 stars
      This pesto chicken is beyond delicious! It makes a great easy meal that is never lacking on flavor!

      Reply
    8. Patricia @ Grab a Plate says

      December 14, 2020 at 12:00 pm

      5 stars
      This is a simple and super-flavorful dish! It’s amazing what pesto can bring to so many dishes – such big flavor!

      Reply
    9. Sandra says

      December 10, 2020 at 11:45 am

      5 stars
      I love how tasty and flavorful it is! So good!

      Reply
    10. Catalina says

      December 9, 2020 at 2:23 pm

      5 stars
      I love pesto flavor and I should definitely try it with chicken!

      Reply
    11. Beth says

      December 9, 2020 at 2:09 pm

      5 stars
      Yummy! My family is going to love this recipe! I can’t wait to give this a try! Looks so delicious and tasty!

      Reply
    12. Beti says

      December 9, 2020 at 9:47 am

      5 stars
      This Pesto Chicken was absolutely amazing! I can’t wait to make it again!! SO GOOD!

      Reply
    13. katerina @ diethood.com says

      December 9, 2020 at 9:46 am

      5 stars
      Such a fantastic dish!! Sounds incredibly delicious!

      Reply
    14. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says

      December 8, 2020 at 9:03 pm

      This pesto chicken recipe is couldn’t look any more perfect!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating





    With 3 young kids, dinner can feel like feeding time at the zoo! I'm a mom on a mission to create easy, healthy and family friendly recipes ...Read More

    Winter Soups

    A bowl of slow cooker turkey chili topped with sour cream and cheese.

    Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

    A bowl of taco soup topped with tortilla strips, sour cream, cheese and avocado.

    Taco Soup Recipe

    A bowl of pumpkin soup topped with bacon and pumpkin seeds.

    Pumpkin Soup with Bacon

    A bowl of slow cooker beef stew with meat, carrots, potatoes and peas.

    Slow Cooker Beef Stew

    A bowl of Italian wedding soup with meatballs, carrots, spinach and pasta.

    Italian Wedding Soup

    A slow cooker full of ham and bean soup made with vegetables, dried beans and diced ham.

    Ham and Bean Soup (Slow Cooker)

    More Posts from this Category

    Featured Recipes

    This one pot chicken with cheddar broccoli rice combines classic flavors for a quick and easy dinner. Chicken thighs are cooked with a creamy cheesy broccoli cheddar rice for a complete meal without all the cleanup.

    Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole

    A hand putting a piece of bread into artichoke dip.

    Artichoke Dip Recipe

    This recipe for chicken ranch tacos is grilled chicken with bacon, homemade ranch sauce, cheese and fresh vegetables, all stuffed inside warm flour tortillas. A family friendly meal that's simple to make and fun to eat!

    Chicken Ranch Tacos

    A pan of pasta with ground beef, onion, pasta shells, cheddar cheese and bacon.

    Cheeseburger Pasta

    FREE TOOLKIT: 5 Secrets to Meal Planning

    Learn my 5 Meal Planning Secrets & get my Meal Planning Toolkit...FREE!

      ​
      ​

      Categories

      Sites I am featured In
      PRIVACY POLICY ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT © Sara Welch and Dinner at the Zoo® LLC, 2015-2022.
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Pinterest
      • RSS
      • Twitter
      • About Me
      • Contact Me
      • All Recipes
      • Dinner
      • Appetizers
      • Dessert
      • One Pot Meals
      • Slow Cooker
      • Asian Food