Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked pesto chicken is one of those meals that’s simple, yet packed with flavor. The pesto mayo adds a rich and herby layer to the chicken, while the panko breadcrumbs create a crispy, golden topping. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that you can easily modify depending on what you have on hand. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to please, making it an ideal choice for a last-minute dinner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 chicken breast halves (about 1.25 pounds)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ⅓ cup Hellman’s or Best Foods Mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup basil pesto
- 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs (panko is best)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and coat with nonstick spray. - Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season all sides with salt and pepper. - Assemble the Chicken:
Lay the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet a few inches apart. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and basil pesto. Spoon the pesto mixture evenly over the chicken, trying to keep it from sliding off the edges. Don’t use all of the sauce—save some for serving later. - Add the Breadcrumbs:
Sprinkle the top of each chicken breast with about 3 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs, ensuring they are evenly coated. - Bake:
Bake the chicken at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (use a meat thermometer to check). The juices should run clear when the chicken is fully cooked. - Serve:
Remove the chicken from the oven and serve immediately.
Quick Pesto Pasta (Optional)
For a quick and delicious side dish, cook 1 pound of pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add ½ stick of butter, ¼ cup pesto, ½ teaspoon garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ cup pepper jack cheese, and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well combined and the pasta is coated.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20-25 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Grilled Chicken: You can grill the chicken instead of baking it for a smoky flavor.
- Add Veggies: Add some vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the pesto sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Topping: For an extra cheesy version, sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top of the chicken during the last few minutes of baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. This recipe doesn’t freeze well, as the panko will get soggy.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to preserve the crispiness of the breadcrumbs. You can also reheat it in an air fryer for a few minutes for an extra crunch. If using a microwave, note that the coating will be softer.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly fine for this recipe, but homemade pesto will give it an even fresher, more vibrant flavor.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise with something else?
If you prefer, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a substitute for the mayonnaise for a lighter option.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken in advance, but it’s best to bake it fresh. The breadcrumbs may lose their crispness if stored after baking.
What can I serve with this dish?
This baked pesto chicken pairs wonderfully with pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. The juices should run clear, and the chicken should be firm to the touch.
Conclusion
This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken is a flavorful, quick, and satisfying dinner that you can make in just 30 minutes. The combination of pesto, mayonnaise, and crispy panko breadcrumbs takes simple chicken breasts to the next level. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or a casual dinner, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Print
Easy Baked Pesto Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Easy Baked Pesto Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with a creamy pesto mayo sauce and crispy panko breadcrumbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner or casual meal.
Ingredients
4 chicken breast halves (about 1.25 pounds)
Salt and pepper, to taste
⅓ cup Hellman’s or Best Foods Mayonnaise
⅓ cup basil pesto
3 tablespoons breadcrumbs (panko is best)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and coat with nonstick spray.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Chicken: Lay the chicken on the baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and pesto. Spoon the pesto mixture over the chicken, saving some for serving later.
- Add the Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over each chicken breast.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and juices run clear.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Notes
For grilled chicken, simply grill the chicken breasts instead of baking them.
For extra flavor, add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the pesto sauce.
For a cheesy version, sprinkle mozzarella or Parmesan on top of the chicken during the last few minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
