Elevate your weeknight dinner with this irresistible Pesto Crusted Chicken recipe, a perfect blend of vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are smothered in fragrant basil pesto and layered with a golden, Parmesan-panko crust, creating a dish that's as flavorful as it is visually stunning. With a quick prep time of 15 minutes and a simple baking method, this recipe is ideal for busy families or meal prep enthusiasts. The garlic-scented breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crisp texture, while the pesto infuses each bite with herby goodness. Serve alongside steamed vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home. Perfectly seasoned, easy to make, and sure to impress, this baked Pesto Crusted Chicken is a must-try dinner recipe!
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish with cooking spray.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
In a small bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and olive oil. Stir well to evenly coat the breadcrumbs in the oil.
Using a spoon or a brush, spread about 2 tablespoons of basil pesto evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over the pesto-coated chicken, pressing it down lightly to adhere. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the crust.
Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they do not overlap.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve warm alongside steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Calories |
2072 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 98.9 g | 127% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.8 g | 114% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 640 mg | 213% | |
| Sodium | 3065 mg | 133% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40.6 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.5 g | ||
| Protein | 243.0 g | 486% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 751 mg | 58% | |
| Iron | 10.1 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 2383 mg | 51% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.