This pesto chicken is incredibly flavorful, juicy, and surprisingly easy to make. If you’ve already prepared a batch of homemade pesto, this recipe comes together in just a few minutes. Simply whisk the pesto with a little chicken broth to create a light, pourable sauce, then pour it over the chicken and bake- no marinating required, but it’s fine to marinate if for a few hours if needed (no more than 24 hours if you are making it ahead).
Even if you’re making the pesto the same day, it only takes a few minutes to prepare, making this an excellent recipe for busy weeknights. Once the chicken is in the oven, the hands-on work is done. Depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, it will be ready in about 30–45 minutes, giving you plenty of time to prepare a salad, roast vegetables, or cook a whole grain for an easy, well-balanced meal.
How To Prepare Pesto Chicken
The secret to the best pesto chicken recipe is using a flavorful, high-quality pesto. While store-bought pesto works well when you’re short on time, homemade basil pesto delivers the freshest flavor and takes this dish to the next level.
If you enjoy meal prepping, homemade pesto is one of the easiest kitchen staples to make ahead. Prepare a batch over the weekend and store it in the refrigerator for several days, or freeze individual portions for up to 9-12 months. Having pesto ready to go makes this easy pesto chicken recipe a true weeknight lifesaver- simply whisk the pesto with a little chicken broth, pour it over the chicken, and bake.
Need a pesto recipe? Check out my homemade basil pesto. It’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients and comes together in just minutes.
If you’re purchasing pesto from the grocery store, choose a brand made with high-quality ingredients. Look for extra virgin olive oil as the primary oil instead of refined seed oils like soybean or sunflower oil, and opt for products with minimal preservatives and additives. One of my favorite store-bought options is Buitoni Pesto, which has great flavor and is widely available.
Once you have your pesto prepared, making this chicken is amazingly simply and can be done in four easy steps.
- Trim the fat off the chicken breast and lay them in a single layer in your baking dish.
- Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper and gently rub.
- Mix a small amount of chicken broth with pesto and stir until the pesto becomes a bit runny.
- Pour the pesto/broth mixture over the chicken.
That’s it.
All that’s left to do is put it in the oven or allow the chicken to marinate in the flavorful pesto concoction for a few hours (don’t marinate it for more than 24 hours before baking). Cover your baking dish with foil and place it in the fridge or oven.
Baking Pesto Chicken
Baking the chicken is the easiest part, but there are a few things to remember if you want the juiciest, most delicious chicken.
- Keep It Covered. Keep the dish covered with foil while it bakes. This will prevent too much liquid from evaporating and allow the chicken to come out juicy and tender.
- Don’t Overbake. The chicken needs about 30 – 45 minutes in the oven depending on its thickness. Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken breast to determine doneness. Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Overbaking will produce dried out, rubbery chicken.
The 30 – 45 minute baking time provides a perfect opportunity to cook quick side dishes to go with the pesto. Of course, side dishes can always be prepped in advance too.
What To Serve With Pesto Chicken
One of the questions I get asked most often is, “What should I serve with pesto chicken?” As a registered dietitian, I like to build meals that are not only delicious but also balanced, colorful, and satisfying. Here are the three things I consider when planning a meal around this healthy pesto chicken recipe.
1. Build a Balanced Plate
A balanced meal includes four key components: lean protein, non-starchy vegetables, a fiber-rich carbohydrate, and healthy fats. If you’d like to learn more about creating balanced meals, check out my guide to the Balanced Plate Method.
This pesto chicken recipe already checks two of those boxes. The chicken provides high-quality protein, while the basil pesto contributes heart-healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil and pine nuts.
To round out the meal, add:
- A fiber-rich starch: Whole wheat pasta, brown rice, farro, quinoa, roasted potatoes, risotto, or Italian-seasoned white beans all pair beautifully with pesto.
- Non-starchy vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, green beans, roasted zucchini, Brussels sprouts, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables are all excellent choices.
One of my favorite combinations is serving this chicken with Tomato Basil Pasta, which complements the Italian flavors of the pesto perfectly. If you’re looking for a lighter option, pair it with roasted vegetables and quinoa for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
2. Add Plenty of Color
Colorful meals are not only more appealing, but they’re often more nutritious, too. Different colored fruits and vegetables provide different vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and plant compounds that support overall health.
Since pesto naturally gives the chicken a beautiful green color, I like to balance the plate with colorful side dishes. Bright red tomatoes, orange roasted carrots, yellow squash, or a vibrant mixed salad create a meal that looks just as good as it tastes. Instead of choosing several green side dishes, adding a variety of colors makes the plate more visually appealing and increases the diversity of nutrients you’re eating.
3. Choose Complementary Flavors
The best side dishes don’t just add nutrition, they enhance the overall meal. Because pesto has classic Italian flavors like basil, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil, it pairs best with foods that complement those ingredients.
For example, Italian-inspired sides like tomato basil pasta, roasted vegetables, white beans, or a fresh Caprese salad all work beautifully. On the other hand, strongly seasoned Mexican or Asian-inspired side dishes may compete with the flavors of the pesto rather than complement them.
Ultimately, the best meal is one your family enjoys. Start with the balanced plate as your foundation, then choose colorful, flavorful side dishes that fit your tastes. You’ll end up with a healthy pesto chicken dinner that’s both nourishing and delicious.
Easy Pesto Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- 13 x 9 baking dish
Ingredients
- 4 - 5 chicken breast, skinless about 2 lbs
- 1 cup prepared pesto homemade preferred
- 1/3 cup cup chicken broth
- salt and ground black pepper
Instructions
- Trim the fat off the chicken breasts and place them in a baking dish.
- Season both sides of each chicken breast with a pinch of salt and pepper and gently rub the spices into the chicken breast.
- In a small bowl, combine the prepared pesto with chicken broth and whisk gently.
- Pour half of the pesto mixture over the chicken. Flip the chicken to other side and pour on the remaining pesto mixture.
- Cover the dish with foil and place in a preheated oven at 400o F.
- Bake for 30 - 45 minutes until a meat thermometer reads 165o F.
- Slice each chicken breast and serve.