Hey there, fellow food lovers! Nyla here from Grill Drip, ready to whisk you away on a flavor adventure that’s about to make your weeknights SO much tastier! Picture this: succulent chicken, slathered in vibrant pesto, and then… the glorious blanket of melted cheese. It’s my Cheesy Pesto Chicken, and trust me, it’s a game-changer.

This Cheesy Pesto Chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary Tuesday into a mini-celebration. I remember one night, rummaging through my fridge, craving something comforting but exciting. Pesto was staring back at me, a lonely chicken breast was begging for attention, and a whole lot of mozzarella was just waiting for its moment. A happy accident was born, and I’ve been obsessed with this Cheesy Pesto Chicken ever since.

One bite, and you’ll understand why I’m so hyped. The pesto chicken recipe is a symphony of flavors. The basil, garlic, and Parmesan in the pesto sing in harmony with the juicy chicken, while the melted cheese adds a creamy, dreamy layer of pure happiness.

This Cheesy Pesto Chicken is truly something special. I’m thrilled to be sharing this with you!

Let’s dive into this incredibly easy and absolutely delicious Cheesy Pesto Chicken recipe. Ready to turn your kitchen into a flavor party? Let’s do this! 🔥

INGREDIENTS You Need

This Cheesy Pesto Chicken ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! You can grab this during your normal shopping trip, so there is nothing fancy here.

Here’s what you’ll need:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: About 6-8 ounces each, pounded to an even thickness.
1/2 cup pesto: Store-bought is fine for those busy weeknights, but homemade is even better!
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, cheesy goodness.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For cooking the chicken to perfection.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a little extra zing to the chicken.
1/2 teaspoon salt: To bring out all the flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is my personal preference!

No worries if you don’t have mozzarella. I use provolone all the time in my Cheesy Pesto Chicken. It melts beautifully and has a slightly sharper flavor that complements the pesto perfectly.

This Cheesy Pesto Chicken gets its amazing taste from the quality of the pesto. I love using a vibrant, fresh pesto with lots of basil flavor. Sometimes, I’ll even add a pinch of red pepper flakes to my Cheesy Pesto Chicken for that extra kick!

For ingredient prep shortcuts, I often prep the pesto ahead of time on the weekend. I store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for several days. You can also pound the chicken breasts in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

My Cheesy Pesto Chicken secret that takes it from good to incredible is a little squeeze of lemon juice over the finished dish. It brightens up all the flavors and adds a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the cheese and pesto.

Let’s Make Some!

Time to make some delicious magic! Making Cheesy Pesto Chicken is easier than you think. These step by step instructions are simple and fun to follow!

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking dish and give it a light greasing.
Now, let’s prep the chicken. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts. This Cheesy Pesto Chicken is all about layers of flavor!
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes per side. You’re not trying to cook them through, just get a nice golden-brown crust. This is where the magic starts happening!
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to your prepared baking dish.
Generously spread pesto over each chicken breast. Don’t be shy! We want that pesto chicken breast loaded with flavor.
Top each chicken breast with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. This is my favorite part of making Cheesy Pesto Chicken – watch the magic happen!
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. In my kitchen, this Cheesy Pesto Chicken usually takes closer to 18 minutes to reach perfection.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Your Cheesy Pesto Chicken should smell absolutely incredible right now.
Serve and enjoy!

Don’t worry if your Cheesy Pesto Chicken looks slightly uneven when it comes out of the oven. It’ll still taste incredible!

While your Cheesy Pesto Chicken is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! The smell of the pesto and cheese baking together is seriously intoxicating. It’s going to be so so yummy! 🔥

One of my personal cooking discoveries with baked pesto chicken is that you can add a layer of sliced tomatoes under the cheese for an extra burst of flavor. It’s especially good in the summer when tomatoes are at their peak.

How to Serve Up This!

People literally do happy dances when this Cheesy Pesto Chicken hits the table. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this delightful dish:

Pasta: Toss the Cheesy Pesto Chicken with your favorite pasta for a complete and satisfying meal. Penne, spaghetti, or even cheese tortellini would be amazing! This Cheesy Pesto Chicken reminds me of another bold flavor favorite – Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini!
Salad: Slice the Cheesy Pesto Chicken and serve it over a bed of fresh greens with a light vinaigrette. Arugula or spinach would be particularly tasty.
Roasted Vegetables: Pair the chicken with roasted vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini for a healthy and colorful meal. The sweetness of the roasted vegetables complements the richness of the Cheesy Pesto Chicken perfectly.
Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread for soaking up all that delicious pesto and cheese sauce.
Rice: Serve this easy pesto chicken over rice for a complete meal!

This Cheesy Pesto Chicken is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! It’s also a fantastic option for potlucks or casual get-togethers with friends. Everyone always raves about it!

For presentation ideas that wow guests, I like to garnish the Cheesy Pesto Chicken with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the dish.

I love serving this Cheesy Pesto Chicken with a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of the cheese and pesto, creating a perfectly balanced meal.

Got leftovers? Don’t worry, this Cheesy Pesto Chicken is just as delicious the next day! You can slice it up and add it to sandwiches or wraps, or crumble it over salads. You can even chop it up and add it to omelets or frittatas for a flavorful breakfast.

For a fusion variation, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts to the Cheesy Pesto Chicken. It adds a Mediterranean twist to the dish and makes it even more flavorful. If you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for my Jalapeno Popper Chicken Wraps!

FAQs:

I’ve answered all the common questions I’ve gotten for this delicious chicken!

Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Cheesy Pesto Chicken?

Absolutely! This Cheesy Pesto Chicken is incredibly easy to make. If you can sear a chicken breast and sprinkle cheese, you can definitely nail this recipe. I promise!

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. You want them to sear properly and not steam.

What if I don’t have pesto?

While pesto is the star of this Cheesy Pesto Chicken, you can try using other sauces like a sun-dried tomato pesto or a basil-walnut pesto. For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out my White Chicken Chili recipe!

What if I mess up my Cheesy Pesto Chicken? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)

Honestly, it’s hard to mess this one up! Even if you overcook the chicken slightly, the pesto and cheese will keep it moist and flavorful. Plus, any excuse to add more cheese is a win in my book!

How can I prep this Cheesy Pesto Chicken for busy weeknights?

You can prep the chicken by pounding it and rubbing it with the olive oil and seasonings. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. You can also mix the cheese together in advance.

Can I use different cheeses?

Absolutely! Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of goat cheese would be delicious on this Cheesy Pesto Chicken. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination. This is the perfect recipe for being creative!

How can I make this Cheesy Pesto Chicken healthier?

You can use reduced-fat mozzarella cheese and serve the chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a large salad. Baking instead of searing can help too!

My pesto is too thick. What can I do?

Add a tablespoon or two of olive oil to thin it out. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of water.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms would be delicious additions to this easy pesto chicken. Just add them to the baking dish before topping with cheese.

CONCLUSION:

This Cheesy Pesto Chicken brings me so much joy because it’s the perfect combination of comfort and flavor. It’s easy to make, satisfying to eat, and always a crowd-pleaser.

My Cheesy Pesto Chicken Flavor Secrets:

Don’t skimp on the pesto: Use a generous amount for maximum flavor.
Sear the chicken properly: This helps to seal in the juices and create a nice crust.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice: It brightens up all the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.

I’ve tested so many variations of this Cheesy Pesto Chicken, and here are a few of my favorites:

Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Chicken: Use sun-dried tomato pesto instead of regular pesto for a richer, more intense flavor. For similar recipes, check out Easy Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken – The Forked Spoon.
Basil Pesto Tomato Mozzarella Chicken Bake: Add sliced tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for a classic Italian twist. You can find a similar recipe at Basil Pesto Tomato Mozzarella Chicken Bake – Julia’s Album.
Spinach and Artichoke Pesto Chicken: Mix spinach and artichoke hearts with the pesto for a creamy, flavorful filling. You could also try 4-Ingredient Chicken and Pesto Bake (Easy recipe).

For a casual weeknight dinner, I love serving the classic Cheesy Pesto Chicken with pasta and a simple salad. For a potluck, I might make the spinach and artichoke version. And for a special occasion, I’d definitely go for the sun-dried tomato pesto chicken with all the fixings.

Fellow food lovers, trust your taste buds and get creative! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique version of this Cheesy Pesto Chicken. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and see what delicious magic you can create in your kitchen. Happy cooking, and enjoy every single bite of your amazing Cheesy Pesto Chicken! 🔥💕

Cheesy Pesto Chicken

Print Recipe

This Cheesy Pesto Chicken is a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in pesto and melted cheese for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Author: Nyla
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup pesto
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
Remove skillet from heat and spread pesto evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the pesto.
Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with your favorite pasta or a side salad for a complete meal.