Pesto Chicken Bake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides. If you’d like, drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken breasts for added moisture and flavor, especially if you’re using skinless, boneless chicken.
3. Spread the Pesto: If you’re using store-bought pesto, simply spread about 2 tablespoons of pesto on each chicken breast, covering the top evenly. If you’re making homemade pesto, blend the basil, garlic, nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender until smooth, and then spread it over the chicken.
4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the pesto-covered chicken breasts. The cheese will melt and bubble, creating a deliciously gooey, cheesy topping.
5. Bake: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C) and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Optional Toppings: For an extra burst of flavor and color, you can add halved cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or walnuts during the last 10 minutes of baking.
7. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, flavorful finish.
8. Enjoy: Serve your pesto chicken bake with a side of steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or over zucchini noodles for a low-carb, satisfying meal.

Tips and Variations:

• Vegetable Add-ins: For an all-in-one meal, you can add vegetables to the baking dish. Try adding sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes around the chicken for extra nutrition and flavor. These vegetables will roast alongside the chicken, soaking up the flavors of the pesto.
• Use Different Pesto: While traditional basil pesto is a classic choice, you can experiment with different types of pesto for variety. Try sun-dried tomato pesto, spinach pesto, or even arugula pesto for a unique twist.
• Make It Creamy: For a creamy version of this dish, add a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or heavy cream to the pesto before spreading it on the chicken. This will create a rich, creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
• Low-Carb Option: To keep the meal low-carb, serve the pesto chicken bake with a side of cauliflower rice, steamed broccoli, or a fresh leafy green salad.

Why Pesto Chicken Bake is Perfect for Meal Prep:

This pesto chicken bake is ideal for meal prepping. You can make a big batch and store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It also reheats beautifully, making it a great option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts:

Pesto Chicken Bake is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner that everyone in your family will love. Whether you’re in need of a simple weeknight meal or preparing for a gathering, this dish is sure to impress. The pesto adds a rich, herby flavor that transforms the chicken into something special, while the mozzarella provides a satisfying cheesy finish. With its versatility, ease of preparation, and healthy ingredients, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.

So, the next time you’re craving something delicious and nutritious, give Pesto Chicken Bake a try—you won’t be disappointed!