Cheesy Pesto Chicken
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This Cheesy Pesto Chicken is one of my go-to easy, high protein weeknight dinners. It's quick, flavorful, and one of those chicken recipes that tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did.
Quick Look: Cheesy Pesto Chicken
- 🕒 Total Time: 35 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 4
- 📊 Calories: 470 per serving
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Why You'll Love This Cheesy Pesto Chicken
- A Fun Twist on Chicken - If you're thinking "no, not another chicken recipe!" then this is for you! It's such a flavorful way to eat chicken. You're going to love it!
- Healthy But Satisfying - You get all of the benefits of lean chicken breast with a lot of protein, but the creamy cream cheese and the flavor of the pesto make this so tasty.
- Versatile - Eat this all by itself or slice if up and add it to your favorite pasta or rice dish!
For a similar recipe but with a lemon twist, make sure to try my Grilled Lemon Pesto Chicken! It's one of my favorites! My Crack Chicken Recipe is also fantastic and a family favorite in my house!
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Select Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts - I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are thinly sliced so they cook more thoroughly.
- Cream cheese - You can use light cream cheese to save on calories if you prefer. You may find that you don't need quite this much so feel free to use less if you'd like.
- Basil pesto - Use whichever brand you prefer or you could even make your own if that's your jam.
- Mozzarella - Take the time to shred your own mozzarella. You'll be glad you did. It melts so much better, is creamier, and just tastes better in my opinion.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Recipe Tips & Variations
➡️ Serve it on top of pasta - this is a great idea, especially for active kids who may need more calories and carbohydrates at dinner.
➡️ Make it a one pan dish - If you'd like to skip the step where you sear the chicken, you can! You'll simply put the raw, thin chicken breasts in the greased baking dish, layer with the toppings, then extend the baking time to about 35 minutes or until chicken is completely cooked and reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the center.
➡️ Create a salad or sandwich - This recipe is easy to turn into a salad by adding on top of your favorite greens, or serving it on toasted sourdough or a crusty ciabatta!
How To Make Cheesy Pesto Chicken
Step 1: First preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a large baking dish. Next, sear the thin chicken breasts by cooking in a large, greased skillet for about 5 minutes then flip to grill on the other side for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 2: While the chicken is cooking, mix the softened cream cheese and the basil pesto together. Set aside. Once you've seared the chicken for 10 minutes total, remove from skillet and add the the greased baking dish. Top the chicken with the cream cheese pesto mixture, dividing evenly between the 4 or to your preference.
Step 3: Then, top with about ¼ cup shredded mozzarella on top of each chicken breast. Add sliced cherry tomatoes around the chicken breasts. Feel free to drizzle a little extra olive oil if needed.
Step 4: Bake in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, or until internal temp of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. For a crispier top, broil for just a few minutes for a golden top. Garnish with freshly sliced basil and sauteed cherry tomatoes. Enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
It pairs well with pasta, rice, roasted veggies, or a simple green salad.
You can, you'll just need to extend the baking time! Place raw thin chicken breasts in greased baking dish, layer with the toppings, then extend the baking time to about 35 minutes or until chicken is completely cooked and reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the center.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Check out my meal planning app Wholesome Meals Made Easy for more easy, healthy recipes your whole crew will actually love. It's like having a dietitian in your back pocket - quick, balanced, and family-approved!
More Delicious Chicken Recipes
If you tried this Cheesy Pesto Chicken or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below! Thanks for visiting today!
Cheesy Pesto Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts thin
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- ⅓ cup basil pesto
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 4 basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease large baking dish.
- In a large, greased skillet, grill each chicken breast for 5 minutes. Flip and grill on the other side for about 5 minutes.
- While the chicken is grilling, mix the softened cream cheese and basil pesto together in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Transfer the grilled chicken breasts into your greased baking dish and evenly spread ¼ of the cream cheese pesto mixture over the top. (You can use less to go lighter on the calories!)
- Top each chicken breast with ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Add sliced cherry tomatoes to the baking dish, placed around the chicken. You can add a light drizzle of olive oil to them if desired.
- Baking uncovered in the center rack of the oven for 20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Garnish with the sauteed cherry tomatoes and sliced basil and serve immediately!
I love making this recipe when I want to switch up the same ole boring chicken breast. This is a 10/10!
I make this all the time, it's so versatile! Great on pasta, sandwiches, and salad.