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Pesto Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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4 from 55 reviews

A delicious and easy Pesto Chicken Parmesan recipe combining tender baked chicken breasts with flavorful basil pesto, marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. Perfectly baked to create a cheesy, savory dish ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

  • Total Time: 30-40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin or butterflied)
  • Kosher salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (freshly cracked, to taste)

Sauces & Cheese

  • 1/3 cup basil pesto
  • 3/4 cup marinara sauce
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced)
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Season and Assemble Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Place the chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread the basil pesto generously over each piece of chicken, ensuring all sides are covered.
  3. Add Marinara and Cheese: Spoon the marinara sauce evenly over the pesto-covered chicken breasts. Next, layer the sliced fresh mozzarella cheese on top of the marinara. Cover the entire baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture while baking.
  4. Bake Chicken Covered: Bake the covered chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This initial covered baking ensures even cooking and melts the cheeses gently.
  5. Add Parmesan and Finish Baking: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese over the chicken. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Serve: Once cooked through and cheese is melted, remove from the oven and serve the pesto chicken parmesan warm for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness or butterfly them before seasoning.
  • Adjust baking time depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts; thicker pieces may require longer baking to reach safe internal temperature.
  • Use fresh mozzarella for best melting texture; shredded mozzarella can be used in a pinch.
  • Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking before serving to retain juices.
  • This dish pairs well with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/pesto-chicken-parmesan-recipe/