Description
This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken recipe offers a quick and flavorful meal featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a creamy pesto-mayonnaise blend and crispy breadcrumbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a simple weeknight dinner that feels gourmet.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 chicken breast halves (about 1.25 pounds)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Topping
- ⅓ cup Hellman’s or Best Foods Mayonnaise
- â…“ 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 it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Assemble the Chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and basil pesto thoroughly. Spoon this pesto mixture evenly over each chicken breast, reserving some mixture if you want extra for serving later.
- Add the Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top of each chicken breast to create a crunchy topping once baked.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the juices run clear, ensuring it is safe to eat.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and serve immediately while hot, optionally adding reserved pesto topping for extra flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh basil pesto or high-quality store-bought pesto.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- You can customize the recipe by adding grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking for extra flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
