Cheesy Pesto Chicken

If you're stuck in a rut with the same old chicken dinners, this Cheesy Pesto Chicken is about to shake things up in the most delicious way. Creamy, flavorful, and packed with protein, this recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with light cream cheese, pesto, and sautéed cherry tomatoes for a dish that feels indulgent but stays on the lighter side. It's the kind of comforting, feel-good meal that comes together easily but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Pesto Chicken

1.  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!
2. 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.
3. Versatile - Eat this all by itself or slice if up and add it to your favorite pasta or rice dish!

Nutrients in this recipe

Protein - you'll get most of the protein in this dish from the chicken breast. Protein helps build and repair muscle tissue, keeps you full longer, and supports a healthy metabolism. Sounds pretty awesome, right?

Lycopene - Found in the cherry tomatoes, this is powerful antioxidant is linked to reduced inflammation and a lower risk of heart disease and it's even better absorbed when paired with a bit of healthy fat-like the olive oil in the pesto!

Calcium - Even with a lighter version of cream cheese, you still get a dose of this essential mineral great for your bones!

The 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.
• Cherry tomatoes - halved
• Basil leaves - I love fresh, sliced basil leaves on top. If you're in a pinch, you can use dried basil as well.

How To Make Cheesy Pesto Chicken

(Full Recipe Below)

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.

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.

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.

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 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!

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Check out my Wholesome Meals Made Easy meal app for easy, healthy recipes your whole crew will actually love. It's like having a dietitian in your back pocket - quick, balanced, and family-approved!

If you love this Cheesy Pesto Chicken, be sure to check these recipes out too!

One Pan Chicken Caprese

Salsa Fresca Chicken

Grilled Lemon Pesto Chicken

Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad

Spinach & Bacon Stuffed Chicken

Nutrition Disclaimer:

Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used, as well as portion sizes. I calculate these values using my own ingredients and tools, but please treat them as a general guide-not a guarantee. For the most accurate results, consider using your own preferred nutrition calculator.