Description
This Easy Baked Pesto Chicken recipe offers a simple yet flavorful way to prepare juicy chicken breasts topped with a creamy basil pesto mayonnaise and a crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines fresh pesto, mayonnaise, and panko breadcrumbs to create a deliciously golden and tender meal that pairs wonderfully with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 chicken breast halves (about 1.25 pounds)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- ⅓ cup Hellman’s or Best Foods Mayonnaise
- â…“ cup basil pesto
- 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs (panko is best)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and coat with nonstick spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly with a paper towel to help the topping adhere better. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix Topping: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and basil pesto until well blended. This mixture adds moisture and rich flavor to the chicken.
- Apply Topping: Lay the chicken breasts evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the pesto mayonnaise mixture generously over each breast, reserving a little for serving if desired.
- Add Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the coated chicken breasts to create a crunchy crust once baked.
- Bake Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear, ensuring it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and serve immediately, optionally drizzling with the reserved pesto mixture for extra flavor.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
- For a crispier topping, you can broil the chicken for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs if you require a gluten-free version.
- Consider serving with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or pasta to complete the meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
